Coronavirus in Maharashtra: Jain sadhus and sadhvis to practice their rituals amid lockdown

Coronavirus in Maharashtra: Jain sadhus and sadhvis to practice their rituals amid lockdown

Sanjay JogUpdated: Saturday, May 30, 2020, 10:12 PM IST
article-image
Representational Photo |

Mumbai: Maharashtra Government has allowed Jain community sadhus and sadhvis to practice their rituals of ‘’vihar’’ (journey on foot) for chaturmas and reside at various places in the next few months. The government has issued a notification asking the community members to observe social distancing and COVID-19 norms issued by the Centre and the state government and avoid crowding.

Maharashtra Relief and Rehabilitation Secretary Kishor Raje Nimbalkar on Saturday issued the notification. ‘’It was necessary as due to coronavirus lockdown the journey on foot of Jain sadhus and sadhvis was not possible. They have to reach their respective destinations within the stipulated time period. However, they will have to avoid the crowd and at a time more than five of them will not travel together. They will have to also take care to avoid gathering at the place where they will be living,’’ Nimbalkar said.

He said that the sadhus and sadhvis will have to wear mask and keep enough distance between the two.

Chetan Dedhia representing about 10 Jain Sangh said the government has intervened at a right time to avoid any untoward incident during such barefoot journey by sadhus and sadhvis. They have to reach before onset of monsoon to their respective destinations and they reside till the monsoon ends.

‘’The government issued the notification after a representation was made citing one incident which took place in Dombivli where sadhus and sadhvis were targeted by the locals taking objection of their journey during lockdown,’’ said Dedhia.

Further, few Jain community leaders have thanked Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray for his immediate response.

RECENT STORIES

Shiv Sena UBT Lok Sabha Candidate Amol Kirtikar Receives 2nd ED Summons In Khichdi Scam Case; Asked...

Shiv Sena UBT Lok Sabha Candidate Amol Kirtikar Receives 2nd ED Summons In Khichdi Scam Case; Asked...

Mumbai: Drugs Sent In Foreign Post; 1 Arrested

Mumbai: Drugs Sent In Foreign Post; 1 Arrested

Mumbai: Western Railway Official Gets 3-Year Jail In Corruption Case

Mumbai: Western Railway Official Gets 3-Year Jail In Corruption Case

Mumbai: Churchgate Reataurant Owner Accuses Former Manager Of Extortion

Mumbai: Churchgate Reataurant Owner Accuses Former Manager Of Extortion

Maharashtra Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Shiv Sena UBT Firm On Contesting From Sangli; 'Nobody Should...

Maharashtra Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Shiv Sena UBT Firm On Contesting From Sangli; 'Nobody Should...