Nepal: Pashupatinath Temple closed for public amid rising COVID-19 cases.

Pashupatinath Temple closed for public with rise in COVID-19 cases in Kathmandu.

Chandrika Subedi | HENB | Kathmandu | April 22, 2021:: Due to the huge rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in Kathmandu valley, members of general public have been barred from visiting the Pashupati area including Pashupatinath Temple, Guheshwori and others from Friday.

Nepal is now going through a severe pandemic situation.

According to Milan Kumar Thapa, Treasurer of Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT), regular worship and ritualist offerings to Lord Pashupathinath, however, will continue to take place in the temple.

Issuing a press note today, the Trust said the latest decision comes after the issuance of health protocol by the government in line with the Infectious Disease Control Act, 1964 for the containment of COVID-19.

In the Pashupati Area, all activities except for the regular Pooja have been banned. The Trust has sought an apology to the pilgrims for the inconvenience caused due to the move to close the temples.

Last year too, the temples in Pathupathnath area were closed for nine months due to the lockdown imposed by the government to control the pandemic.

Likewise, the Trust has urged people to not breach the number set by the government for ritualistic events, including funeral procession.

​Attendants of a funeral have been asked to follow the safety protocol, PADT said.

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___Agencies.