The Muzrai Department authorised only the conduct of prayers and other rituals by the priests inside the temple which is out of bounds to the public since the last 2 weeks, The Hindu has reported.

The famous Nanjangud Rathothsava which was scheduled to be held on Saturday was cancelled due to nationwide lockdown enforced in view of COVID-19 outbreak.

However, to keep alive the tradition, a group of local youngsters fabricated a miniature ratha not measuring more than 2 ft., offered prayers and pulled it along the deserted car street in the early hours of the day coinciding with the auspicious time during which special prayers were conducted inside the Srikanteshwara temple.

Usually the famous festival is held in a grand way that witness the sight of five giant chariots amidst a sea of humanity, wherein people from all over the State congregate a day or two before the event every year.

The Muzrai Department authorised only the conduct of prayers and other rituals by the priests inside the temple which is out of bounds to the public since the last 2 weeks. This is true for all temples – nearly 35,000 of them – coming under the department.

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