Priests in Odisha demand reopening of temples

BHUBANESWAR: Priests and servitors from different temples of the state on Monday urged the state government to allow reopening of temples at the earliest. They say they will stage protest by blowing conch and clang bells and in front of temples everyday morning at 9 am for ten minutes from Wednesday.
“When temples and places of worship across India have reopened, we don’t know why Odisha government is not allowing religious institutes to reopen following Covid-19 guidelines. Like in any other places here also we would follow guidelines, wear masks and maintain distance. In smaller temples one person will be allowed at a time,” said Jyoti Shankar Khuntia, secretary of Odisha Mandira Sevayat Sangha- an association of temple priests.
The priests said, thousands of priests and servitors in Odisha solely depend on temples for their earning but due to closure of temples they have been living under serious financial constraints. They are also not covered under any beneficiary scheme of the government.
“Priests are in very bad condition due to poverty and lack of income due to closure of temples for over six months now. Many of them are dying due to lack of resources to buy medicine, let alone getting food for the family. Government gave Covid allowance to seveyats of Jagannath Temple in Puri but there are hundreds of priest whose family has been living in penury, but no one to help them,” said Jameswar Tripathy, president of the association.
During the unlock 5.0 the state government extended the closure of places of religious till October 31 in the state. A number of Public Interest Litigations (PIL) have also been filed in the Odisha High Court demanding reopening of temple and other religious institute in the state. The High Court has left the decision on the hands of the state government. Besides, with a large number of priests and servitors infected in the Jagannath Temple, the government is not very keen to open the places of worship anytime soon.
They said when most of the major shrines in India have reopened for devotees why the Odisha government is so reluctant. “When shopping malls, liquor shops, markets and all other places have reopened, why cannot the temple?” said Badrinath Panda, another priest.
There has also been resentment among the devotees over closure of the temples and religious institutes. “At the time of pandemic visiting temples would have given mental support to people and improve their confidence level. But the government has its own logic,” rued Bhagaban Acharya, a septuagenarian.
The total number of covid-19 cases in Odisha has reached 2, 35, 330 on Monday.
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