Himachal bans public gathering amid COVID-19 fear

As a precautionary measure to prevent spread of coronavirus, the Himachal Pradesh government on Wednesday announced to impose a ban indefinitely on social, cultural, sports, political, religious, academic, family mass gatherings across the state.

Shimla, March 18 As a precautionary measure to prevent spread of coronavirus, the Himachal Pradesh government on Wednesday announced to impose a ban indefinitely on social, cultural, sports, political, religious, academic, family mass gatherings across the state.

The ban has been imposed under the Himachal Pradesh Epidemic Disease (COVID-19) Regulations, 2020.

Most of the prominent Hindu shrines in the state were closed from Tuesday.

The temples include the hilltop Naina Devi in Bilaspur district; Chintpurni in Una district; Baba Balak Nath Temple in Deotsidh in Hamirpur district; and Brajeshwari Devi, Jwalaji, Baglamukhi, Chamunda Devi and Bijnath in the Kangra district.

They normally witness a huge rush. A majority of the pilgrims come from Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi.

These temples were expected to receive a large number of devotees during the Navratri festival that is beginning on March 25.

The devotees could watch online live "darshan" of the Brajeshwari Devi, Naina Devi, Chintpurni and Jwalaji temples, an official said. They would also be able to offer online offerings.

( With inputs from IANS )