UNLOCK MONDAY! Temples, Mosques, Hotels, Malls OPEN with Low Turn Out on 8 June
Mangaluru : Quoting lyrics from Late Mohammed Rafi’s hindi song, “Ishwar allah tere naam, sab ko sanmati de bhagwaan, Sab ko sanmati de bhagwaan, sara jag teri santaan, Sara jag teri santaan…….”- that’s right . It was time once again time for the devotees after being not able to to visit the temples and mosques for over two months, had the opportunity today after the lockdown restrictions were lifted, and the religious place were allowed to open their doors for the devotees. But unfortunately, this morning the turn out was very low, mainly because people were still scared of the Covid-19 pandemic. Kadri Manjunatheshwara Temple opened at 6 am, while Car Street Shri Venkatramana Temple opened at 8.30 am. But not many mosques were opened today, and couple of mosques that were open showed not many worshippers.
Mangaloreans were also able to shop at malls and markets, dine at their favourite hotels and restaurants today, as most such establishments “unlocked” themselves. However, signs of the “new normal” was evident. Hoteliers and restaurateurs had taken several measures, such as not placing menu cards on the tables, encouraging digital transactions, sanitising all touch points and tables. Posters on COVID-19 were seen put up in hotels and restaurants, while maintenance of hygiene and sanitation was given paramount importance. All the common areas and touch points had been sanitised. Temples had social distance markings, and devotees entering the temples were sanitized and screened for temperature. Covid-19 guidelines were strictly followed.
At places of worship, it was seen that there was no Staggering of visitors/devotees; touching of statues, idols, holy books was not allowed; no physical offering such as ‘prasada’ distribution or sprinkling of holy water; frequent cleaning and disinfection. And at hotels/restaurants/hospitality units: Contact-less processes such as QR code scanning, digital payments; room service, takeaways was encouraged instead of dine-in; cleaning and regular disinfection of frequently touched surfaces; kitchen staff were also informed to follow social distancing; and large gathering/congregations was prohibited
A Catholic Devotee prays outside the Bendore Church wall , since Churches are not opened till 13 June
At shopping malls- Proper queue management and disinfection was done; no more than 50% of seating capacity permitted at food courts; number of customers inside the shop was kept at a minimum; use of escalators with one person on alternate step was encouraged; and children’s play area, gaming arcades, cinema remained closed. While temples opened today, Churches are scheduled to open on 13 June as per Bishop of Mangaluru Diocese Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha’s order. Many mosques have also decided to open at a later time, to avoid the spread of virus among the devotees.
A temple priest at Kadri Temple said “There will be no archanas or special prayers. We will not be giving teertha or prasada for the devotees either. Volunteers and temple staff will regulate the devotees to ensure there is no crowding and social distance is maintained,”. Also a priest at the diocese said, ” Churches will be open only post June 13. We have received the SOP from the government and have conveyed the same to all churches coming under the diocese. We are planning to continue with live streaming prayers, while also increasing the number of services. Devotees would be asked to use alternate pews to maintain social distancing once the Churches open. Further guidelines will be notified soon”
Maqsood Imran, at the 900 plus year old Mosque in Bunder said apart from hand sanitiser dispensers, the mats in the prayer halls have been removed and markings have been made to ensure social distancing among those coming to pray. The community members had also been urged to finish ‘wadoo’ (cleaning ritual) at home before coming to pray. But the first day after the lockdown was relaxed, the malls, temples, mosques, restaurants/hotels showed a very low turn out, mainly because people are still to come out of the fear of the Covid-19 scare.