Religious tourism takes a turn during COVID in India

India is well known for its numerous sacred places across all religions. People have strong spiritual beliefs and frequent these locations for emotional harmony. Each state has had its own rules for unlocking and accordingly a few have opened up with utmost precautions. While the authorities are sceptical about re-opening, people are in a dilemma about visiting them physically.

The commonality among the pilgrim sites is the fact that when lockdown had been enforced, the daily puja, prayers and certain regular temple activities were not halted.

Sai Baba Temple, Shirdi

The Sai Baba temple in Shirdi, Maharashtra is a secular place where all religions are treated as one with a belief in the power of faith and patience. Shirdi nearly had a footfall of millions of devotees from all castes, creed, and religions across the world until lockdown began in India. While the puja continues four times a day which is being telecast on the mobile app, website, and youtube channels. The temple authorities have taken the time to thoroughly sanitise the premises and are awaiting further notification from the government on reopening guidelines.

Meanwhile, the Prasadalay serving meals in the temple complex continues to operate its kitchen to serve packed meals to the orphanage, old age home, security personnel and all who visit or work at the two hospitals being maintained by the temple trust.

Golden Temple, Amritsar

Sri Harminder Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple or Sri Darbar Sahib, in Punjab is the shrine of the Sikhs. Being a well-known symbol of brotherhood and equality, its doors are open to all irrespective of caste, creed, or race to seek spiritual solace. The Golden Temple has not shut its doors throughout the pandemic. Even though the footfall decreased drastically, the temple has been open with proper protocols being followed.

The langar service has been operational with food packets being provided to the needy during this time. The team of doctors from hospitals are ensuring that proper monitoring and checks of devotees are carried out before they enter the temple complex. During the lockdown the devotees that were visiting were mostly from Punjab, however, devotees from other states have also started visiting.

Vaishno Devi, Jammu

The Vaishno Devi shrine is situated in the state of Jammu inside a small cave in the folds of a three-peaked mountain at an altitude of 5200 feet and can be reached after an uphill trek of almost 12 km starting from Katra. The number of yatris visiting the shrine is estimated to be about one crore annually.

The temple was closed to the public and has reopened its doors in the middle of August. The visit, however, is now strictly with an online booking and several other requirements, the most important being the COVID negative certificate that needs to be procured.

Dargah Of Hazrat Khawaja Garib Nawaz, Rajasthan

Located in Ajmer, Rajasthan; the Dargah Shareef is a place where wishes and desires come true. Devotees from all over the world visit this Dargah, to be blessed by Khawaja Baba and offer flowers, gilaf- the velvet cloth, attar- non-alcoholic perfume and sandalwood powder.

While the lockdown has forced the doors of the Dargah to be closed to the public, the authorities have taken the time to carry out the much-needed renovation and restoration and work that was otherwise not possible.

Tirupati Balaji Temple, Andhra Pradesh

The Tirupati Balaji temple (Venkateshwara temple) is a renowned Hindu temple situated in Tirumala at Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the most visited sites in the world.

For the first time in history, they had to close their doors to the public during the lockdown though continuing the daily rituals. The temples finally reopened in June with a reduced number of devotees. Measures such as sanitisation, temperature checks, and social distancing are being followed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. No theertham and shatari are being given to pilgrims. Laddu prasadam is sold at counters which are situated outside the temple.

Sri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Uttar Pradesh

Situated on the banks of the holy river Ganga in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Closed during lockdown since March, the temple reopened its doors in June taking several precautions. The devotees that are frequenting the temple are less and need to take full precautions including social distancing, wearing masks and face shields, and temperature checks are necessary for the staff.

While the devotees can pray by pouring milk or water but are not allowed to bring any flowers or leaves into the complex. Also, only five people can be present in the inner temple area at any time. A total of five artis are conducted each day and detailed sanitization of the area is carried out preceding each of the artis.

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