Karnataka To Reopen Temples From June 1; Hotels And Restaurants May Reopen Too

by Gizel Menezes
Karnataka To Reopen Temples From June 1; Hotels And Restaurants May Reopen Too

Good news for devotees in the state of Karnataka! In a recent statement, the Karnataka government has announced that all temples in the state will reopen from June 1. Temples, however, are expected to put in place social distancing norms and hygiene measures before reopening.

Similarly, the state may also allow restaurants and hotels to reopen. However, the final decision regarding both these steps will rest on the guidelines released by the Centre at the end of May.

Karnataka To Reopen Temples From June 1

On Tuesday, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa held a meeting with officials of the Muzrai department. The meeting ended with the decision to reopen temples from June 1.

The temples however are expected to follow strict SOPs once they reopen. As per Indian Express, only day-to-day rituals will be permitted inside the temple. Temple fairs, ceremonies and other events will not be allowed. However, detailed SOPs regarding the reopening are yet to be discussed.

Interestingly, prominent temples in the State have also started online booking of sevas and puja services from May 27. Devotees can book sevas from 52 temples under the Muzrai department as well as donate online.

The government is however yet to make a statement on the opening of other places of worship like mosques and churches.

Also Read: No AC, Not More Than 50 People At Weddings And Events In Karnataka

temples to be opened in karnataka
Image Courtesy: Travel Triangle

Hotels And Restaurants In Karnataka May Reopen From June 1

Similarly, the CM has also asked a delegation of hoteliers to get ready to reopen hotels and restaurants from June 1. However, since Union Home Ministry’s guidelines do not permit the sector to reopen till May 31, the final decision will be made by the Centre itself.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka govt has also issued fresh guidelines for interstate travel. All passengers coming from ‘high prevalence states’ like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, would be required to undergo a 7-day institutional quarantine. This would be followed by a home quarantine of 7 days.

According to Star Of Mysore, 6 hotels have been reserved to place people under institutional quarantine in Mysore. While people are expected to pay for the quarantine costs themselves, those who cannot afford the hotels will be provided free accommodation and food.

Reportedly, the State is taking stringent measures as it plans to reopen gradually. In an attempt to stop people from entering the State illegally, the State Government has also closed roads and sealed forest areas in Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border.

Also Read: Karnataka Temples Go Online From May 27