Alok Mishra
Patna: All Shiva Temples where Mela (fair), Jalabhishek, Kanwar Yatras are organised in Shravan month have been stopped from organising such events till August 4, 2020. A guideline to this effect has been issued by Bihar State Board of Religious Trusts. The Shravan month will start from July 6, 2020, during which a large number of devotees visit temples to perform puja-archana and Jalabhishek.
At present, in view of Covid-19 pandemic, certain instructions have been issued by ministry of Home Affairs, Government
of India, and Government of Bihar, for Unlock-2 restricting large gathering of people at a place at the same time.
Accordingly, Patna district magistrate (DM) Kumar Ravi has instructed all sub-divisional officers, all sub-divisional police officers, and
additional district magistrates to ensure compliance with guidelines issued by the government. The District Magistrate has directed them to ban gatherings near Shivs temples where Melas and Jalabhishek are performed till August 4. Besides, directive has been issued to ensure deployment of sufficient number of magistrates, police officials and force at such places.
In view of spread of Corona virus in urban and rural areas, the DM has also directed the officials to persuade the people to offer prayers to Lord Shiv at their houses during Shravan month.