Navratra celebrations begin amidst Covid alert

Our Correspondent
Gurugram, October 17

The Navratra celebration began with enthusiasm in Gurugram with the famous Sheetla Mata temple attracting large number of devotees from both city and other districts.

The authorities have put standard operating procedures (SOPs) in place making masks and physical distancing mandatory, but many were not seen complying with it on the first day.

“We have restricted the usage of “puja” material, made masks, thermo scanning mandatory and are ensuring that people maintain social distancing. The facility of online “darshan” is also available. We have put boards across the premises asking people to be cautious in lieu of Covid, “said Vinay Pratap Singh, the chief administrator of the Mata Sheetla Shrine Board.

The Health Department too has issued an alert of speculated increase in cases during the festivities.

“There has been a surge in the number of cases with the onset of festivals. People need to be cautious,” said CMO Dr Virender Yadav.