K’taka temples to reopen from June 1, says minister

BENGALURU: Karnataka, which is gradually opening up various sectors, will also allow temples to reopen for worship from the first of June, according to temple endowment (Muzrai) minister Kota Srinivas Poojary.

The state will issue a standard operating protocol (SOP) in this regard. This was decided after a meeting of the minister with chief minister BS Yediyurappa. Also, nearly 50 prominent temples in the state will offer online booking of sevas and poojas to ensure that the SOP is adhered to and social distancing norms are maintained even as traditions are continued. E-donations will also be encouraged.

Since March 24, all temple gatherings and festivities have been banned due to the lockdown with rituals being carried out only by sevadars and priests.

The temples in the state are estimated to have lost ~200 crore in offerings specially as Marchjune is considered as prime season on the temple circuit because of school holidays. Department officials said churches, mosques, gurudwaras and other places of worship would also be open but with the same SOPS.

Karnataka will also build new choultries (quasi-hotels at subsidised prices) at a cost of ~200 crore in Tirumala in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh as it is visited by lakhs of pilgrims from the state.