Opening bells toll for faithful at all shrines in Telanagana

Hyderabad: Religious institutions resumed their worship services across Telangana state on Sunday after the state government relaxed all Covid-linked restrictions placed on them. The second wave of the pandemic is receding in the state.

With fajar namaz, the Makkah Masjid opened its doors for the congregation. Churches resumed pre-dawn services, temples saw queues of devotees for ‘Archana’, Jain temples opened their doors and the Gurudwaras too received the faithful.

Heads of the religious institutions said they were faithfully observing the Covid-19 guidelines for the visits of the faithful.

According to Shankar Lal Sharma, priest at the Birla Mandir, 1,142 devotees were present on Sunday for the morning archana and for worship of Lord Balaji. The evening darshan had close to 3,000 devotees present.

At the Chilkur Balaji temple, some 4,000 devotees turned up during the day, its chief priest CS Rangarajan said. He said the social distancing norms were followed.

All the Catholic and Protestant churches resumed their services. Father Bernard said, “The faithful are happy with the government’s decision and we are ensuring that all the protocols against the pandemic are observed.

Pastor Raj Prakesh Paul of the Lords Church said, “We had a congregation of 4,000 faithful, who attended the service at various timings.”

M Abdul Quadeer Siddiqui, superintendent of Macca masjid, said: “The masjid is open only for namaz. Other visitors are not allowed. Prayer mats are removed. We requested everyone to carry own mat and also Wazoo at the place before entering the mosque. Social distancing norm is maintained and mask is compulsory.”

Mahender Munith, secretary of the Shri Jain Swethambar Paraswanathji Mandir said, “About 30 devotees came for worship, and all are instructed to follow the Covid norms. All the Jain temples in the state will be open now.”

Bhagender Singh of the Ameerpet gurudwara said, “Close to 100 faithful visited the place. As usual, there is a smaller gathering when there is no special ceremony. All the devotees felt happy at the decision of the government.”