India News | Curfew in Pandharpur from Tuesday Ahead of 'Ashadhi Ekadashi'

Pune, June 29 (PTI) A curfew will be imposed in Pandharpur in Solapur district of Maharashtra from Tuesday afternoon ahead of 'Ashadhi Ekadashi' which falls on July 1, an official said on Monday.

The step has been taken to prevent gathering of people in the pilgrimage town which has reported COVID-19 cases.

Also Read | TikTok, UC Browser Among 59 Chinese Apps Banned in India: Read Full Government Order.

Lakhs of 'warkaris' or devotees of Lord Vitthal from various parts of Maharashtra and some neighbouring states throng the temple in Pandharpur every year on the occasion of 'Ashadhi Ekadashi'.

However, in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the state government has cancelled the annual wari pilgrimage, which is characterised by lakhs of people walking to Pandharpur with palanquins from various parts of Maharashtra.

Also Read | KK Venugopal's Re-Appointment as Attorney General Approved by President; Tushar Mehta Retained as Solicitor General of India.

The government has allowed 'padukas' (holy footprints) of saint-poets Dnyaneshwar and Tukarm to be taken to Pandharpur by a bus with only 20 'warkaris'.

The order of curfew was issued by Solapur collector Milind Shambharkar on Monday night.

It restricts movement of people in and around Pandharpur town from 2 pm on June 30 to 12 midnight on July 2.

A limited number of people have been given permission to open the temple.

Only nine 'palkhis' (palanquins) and padukas have been allowed to enter the temple town this year.

As per the convention, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will perform the traditional 'mahapooja' of Lord Vitthal on July 1 along with his wife.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)