West Bengal to reopen all religious places from June 1; adds new regulations

West Bengal government had decided by itself on Friday that all religious places: temples, mosques, gurudwaras, churches will reopen from June 1. permission is only for 10 people who can enter at a time. However, religious congregation would be allowed anywhere. Although Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines allow places of worship to be open from June 8th, Bengal Govt had earlier decided to open m from 1st of month.

MHA directive read that religious places and places of worship for public hotels, restaurants, and or hospitality services; and shopping malls will be permitted to open from June 8, 2020.  Whereas, directive issued by Bengal Govt states that places of worship can be open from 1st of June, with 10 people at maximum. Coordinating committees and trust boards of those houses of worship need to make sure that t more than 10 worshippers will be allowed at a time, stated directive of Bengal. However, both have allowed opening of such places in n-containment zones only.

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Some religious organizations to remain shut

However, even with permissions given by Bengal Government, many famous temple organizations have decided to keep ir doors shut for next few days. Famous Kali Temple at Kalighat, Dakshinershwar Temple, Belur Math, ISCKON temple in city have decided to remain closed as of w. In districts, famous religious centers like Tarapith's Kali Temple in Birbhum and Tarashkeshwar's Shiv Temple in Hooghly have also decided to t open doors yet. 

Bengal Imam Association also requested all mosques to remain closed for time being, as chances of multiple devotees rushing to pray can turn into a disaster. Although government has strictly prohibited offering of namaz on streets, Imam Association in Bengal is strictly t in favour of opening doors of mosques for prayers yet.

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As multiple temples and Imam associations decided to t open ir gates, Gurudwara Sant Kutiya in Bhawanipore area, one of oldest gurudwaras in Bengal, decided to start its proceedings from first of month. Maintaining social distancing and allowing only 10 worshippers at a given time, Gurudwara in Kolkata has opened its gates for ones who want to come.
When asked on daily 'langar' distribution, authorities informed that ration is being distributed to ones who need it, but langar cant be started as it would give rise to an assembly which would violate lockdown guidelines.

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(Im Credit: PTI)