Mass weddings take place outside temple premises as Tamil Nadu bans entry to places of worship

In view of rising coronavirus cases in the state, the Tamil Nadu government on Saturday announced shutting down of cinemas, places of worship, malls, bars and salons from April 26. With the entrance to places of worship prohibited, several couples in Tamil Nadu decided to get married right outside a sacred temple's entrance.

Inspite of the new restrictions in place, several people were found violating Covid protocols as couples with family members assembled in front of Thiruvanthipuram Devanatha Swamy temple to tie the knot and get blessing from the elders. Many were seen openly flouting Covid appropriate behavior, which includes wearing masks and maintaining social distancing.