Demanding reopening of temples and mutts, servitors across the State resorted to a symbolic protest on Wednesday by playing cymbals for nine minutes from 9 am in front of their respective temples.
They alleged that while other States have allowed reopening of religious institutions amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, the Odisha Government is yet to give permission for it.“Transport services and several economic activities have resumed in State. Even, liquor traders have been allowed to open their shops. But Government has not relaxed restrictions on religious institutions. Many servitors, who run their families from the donation collected from devotees, are finding it hard to make their ends meet,” said a servitor. Servitors of Haribaldevjew temple at Baripada, known as Dwitiya Srikhetra, also staged protest led by Odisha Temple Servitors’ Association president Kameswar Tripathy.On Tuesday, servitors led by Damodar Mahasuar had staged a dharna in front of Jagannath Temple in Puri demanding reopening of the world-famous temple. Mahasuar questioned the State Government’s decision to keep the temple closed despite the Centre’s permission for reopening of temples across the country.He suggested that devotees be allowed to visit the temple with adherence to the Covid-19 guidelines.