CHANDIGARH: The fervour of Janmashtami overshadowed Covid safety concerns for residents, many of whom threw caution to the winds. A large crowd gathered at Iskcon temple in Sector 36, Chandigarh, where Covid norms were violated.
Temple authorities said they were trying their best to ensure that people followed Covid guidelines by wearing masks and maintaining proper social distancing but the swelling crowd made it difficult for them.
A priest at Iskcon temple said, “We are trying to ensure that people maintain distance from each other and wear masks but at some point, the situation is beyond our control. Still, we are checking to see that everyone follows protocol and stays safe.”
At Shri Sanatan Dharam Mandir, Sector 36, large crowds gathered on the premises and children could be seen without masks. Among those who did wear masks, many pulled it down to their chin. Social distancing was not possible.
Unlike last year, this time, officials did not issue any instructions or guidelines for festival celebrations with Covid guidelines.
Restraint exercised in Panchkula
This Janmashtami, there was little rush in city temples. Police and administrative officials conducted patrols and made repeated requests asking people to maintain social distancing. Panchkula health department set up special Covid camps at popular temples in Sector 2, 6, 9 and 20. There were not many people at the Luxmi Narayan temple in Sector 6, Ram Mandir in Sector 2, Shiv Mandir in Sector 9 and Shiv Mandir in Sector 20. People started gathering at the temple in the morning. While devotees wore masks, they carried “Prasad” as offering, which was not allowed.
Rush in Mohali, many without masks
In Mohali, devotees thronged temples on Monday to celebrate Lord Krishna Janamashtami. Temples in Phase II, 3B1, IX and X were teeming with devotees. At many temples, devotees were not wearing masks. Punjab health minister and Congress MLA from Mohali, Balbir Singh Sidhu celebrated janamashtami at Bal Gopal Gaushala Balongi. Later, he inaugurated work on another shed for animals. Sidhu congratulated people on Janamashtami.
