Kullu superintendent of police Gaurav Singh said notices have been served to kardars of all major temples in Kullu district, TOI has reported.

MANALI: Ahead of Baisakhi fairs, Kullu police have sent notices to temples to stop celebrations in view of COVID-19. All fairs and religious congregation in the state have been banned in view of lockdown enforced due to corona pandemic.

Temple committees have been asked not to bring palanquins of deities out of the shrines. Police have warned of legal action for violating rules.

Kullu superintendent of police Gaurav Singh said notices have been served to kardars of all major temples in Kullu district. “The administration is of the view that the congregation of people during fairs and other events can result in community transmission of the virus. As Baisakhi fairs are beginning, SHOs have been asked to intimate temple committees in their jurisdictions in advance not to hold such events in view of the current situation. Social distancing is impossible during fairs and festivals,” he said.

Social life in the villages of Kullu revolves around deities and hundreds of fairs are organised in their honour. The village fair is held at the main temple once or twice a year. These fairs last for two to five days. Elaborately decorated palanquins of deities are brought out of the temple and people dance to the beat of drums and trumpets. Palanquins of deities from other villages and a large number of followers are welcomed as guests. Even perfect strangers visiting people’s homes are warmly welcomed and served choice cuisine.

Police stations have served notices to temples through station house officers in their respective jurisdiction to cancel fairs and other religious events.

Devi Devta Kardar Sangh president Jai Chand said all the kardars and priests have been requested to adhere to government advisory to maintain social distancing and not to congregate unnecessarily. “The traditions, worship and rituals at temples should be performed but in the presence of maximum of three to four persons whose presence is mandatory. Village fairs have begun. We have requested temple kardars not to allow unnecessary crowd and pray to deity to ward off COVID-19. People should stay home and pray together with the family. People not visiting temples to attend the event in such circumstances will not upset our deities,” he said.

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