Chennai: Places of worship in Tamilnadu are likely to be reopened for devotees on 8 June, however with stringent restrictions in place to check the spread of Covid-19.
Sources said that Chief Secretary K Shanmugam held a meeting with stakeholders yesterday at the Secretariat and representatives of all faiths took part in it.
It is said that while temples, mosques and churches will be opened inĀ other districts on 8 June with social distancing and other norms, decision is yet to be made on whether they will be opened in Chennai and neighbouring districts where the corona numbers continue to rise with each passing day.
It is said that devotees will be given e-passes (for important temples) and they will have to wear mask, follow social distancing in the temple premises.
It may be noted that over 40,000 temples are under the control of theĀ Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department. All temples have been functioning with regular rituals during the lockdown with priests and other necessary staff alone.
It was earlier said that the temples will be reopened on 1 June. However, officials later denied it. It may be noted that many temples have started live streaming the pujas.
Though regular rituals are being performed, temples are not allowing devotees inside ever since the lockdown was announced to prevent the spread of corona.