KUANTAN: The colourful Hindu weddings and vibrant religious temple festivals which are celebrated with much gaiety by the community can commence under strict standard operating procedures (SOP).
After a year of muted religious celebrations including live-streaming sessions for devotees due to the Covid-19 pandemic and movement control order, the Thiruvizha (an annual celebration) and Maha Kumbhabhisekam (a consecration ceremony) can now be held.
However, Malaysian Hindu Sangam (MHS) president Datuk RS Mohan Shan has cautioned that all weddings and religious festivals held at the temple premises must adapt to the pandemic’s “new normal”, or else the organisers might have to face the consequences.
“All religious events or weddings are only allowed to be held within the temple compound and the attendance must be limited to 50 percent of a premises capacity. Face masks are compulsory while body temperature checks, hand sanitisers and MySejahtera QR code must be provided.
“Religious activities including processions are only allowed within the temple premises and there should be no events held outside the compound including on the road or under tents. Activities will be allowed only under strict compliance with the SOP,” he said when contacted.
Mohan said many devotees had been eagerly looking forward to attend the auspicious ceremonies celebrated based on the Hindu calendar and the temple consecration ceremonies which are usually held in a grand manner.
“Previously, some festivals attracted thousands of people but these days the crowd will be decided by the temple compound capacity and the committees will have to decide on the dos and don’ts at the premises,” he said, adding that traditional temple weddings could be held but it must observe physical distancing.
Mohan also said the government had given the green light for the annual “Panguni Uthiram” festival which would be held at temples at the end of this month.
“The festival did not take place last year due to the movement control order and will return this year but on a much smaller scale compared to the previous ones. The temple committee and organisers have to ensure proper SOPs are enforced throughout the festival,” he said.
Meanwhile, Maran’s Sri Marathandavar Aalayam Temple president G. Ramakrishnan said the management has applied to the state National Security Council (NSC) to allow 1,000 devotees to attend the “Panguni Uthiram” festival here on March 28.
“We have requested approval for 1,000 people and NSC is expected to decide by the end of this week. Even if we secure approval, devotees can only carry kavadis and ‘pal kudum’ (offering of milk) within the temple compound,” he said.
The festival which marks Panguni Uthiram – the last month of the Tamil calendar – usually attracts some 400,000 Hindu devotees including tourists at the octagon-shaped temple here.
Meanwhile a temple chairman who declined to be named said temple hall bookings began to pour in with some securing their engagement and wedding dates for next year.
“It has been quiet for more than a year and now the halls are buzzing with activities.
“Organising such events allows the temples to gain some extra income through hall rentals and other services…..temples will also start to organise religious festivals with a limited crowd in stages,” he said.-NST