Mahashivratri: At Saketri, Covid on nobody’s mind

Tribune News Service

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Panchkula, March 11

Despite the Covid-19 threat looming large, devotees thronged the famous Shiva temple at Saketri to offer prayers on the occasion of Mahashivratri today.

Even though the district administration had deployed officials in large numbers to ensure strict implementation of Covid rules, these went for a toss with many people seen without face masks.

The iconic temple, located at Mahadevpur in Saketri, draws thousands of devotees from the region every year on the occasion.

“Festivals are an important part of our culture. Coronavirus can’t dampen my spirit,” Raghuveer, a devotee who visited the temple, said.

Rajeev, a resident of Mansa Devi Complex, Sector 4, was, however, taken aback to see crowds gathered there.

“I was shocked when I saw people not following the Covid-19 rules such as wearing mask and maintaining social distance. The presence of administrative staff made no difference,” he said.

Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Kumar Ahuja had appointed duty magistrates to ensure that the gathering does not lead to the spread of the virus.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police had been asked to deploy police personnel at identified points in and around the temple to ensure hassle-free darshan.