Devotees throng temples, follow Covid protocol in Prayagraj
At many temples, circular patterns were made on the floor within the barricading and devotees were seen following the same.
Devotees in large numbers thronged various temples of goddess Durga here on the first day of Navratri festival here on Saturday. At almost every temple, people were seen wearing masks and maintaining social distance to keep themselves safe from Covid pandemic.
Chanting ‘Jai Mata Di’ and holding coconuts, bangles and red ‘chunris’, the devotees started reaching the temples since early morning. The temple managements too had made proper arrangements in view of the pandemic.
Many of the temples had posted their men at the main entrance and devotees were allowed entry only after thermal scanning. Those came without masks were not allowed to enter temple premises.
People kept visiting all the temples of the city, including Kalyani Devi, Alopibagh, Lalita Devi and many others all through the day. At many temples, circular patterns were made on the floor within the barricading and devotees were seen following the same.
Meanwhile, some of the restaurants and sweet shops across the city also did brisk business. Although it was not that profitable for them as compared to previous years, still many of them kept their tradition alive.
However, as the nine days of fasting starting on Saturday, prices of fruit and other eatable
items consumed during fasts increased manifold. For instance, bananas, which was easily available for Rs 30 a dozen till last night, is now selling Rs 50 a dozen. The prices of apples also rose to Rs 120 a kg against Rs 80 earlier. Likewise, rates of coconuts, loose flowers and garlands, buckwheat flour, lotus seeds and many other items in the city have also soared.