Places of worship in Maharashtra to reopen from Monday, says CM Thackeray

Places of religious worship in Maharashtra, which have been shut since the COVID-19 lockdown in March, will reopen from Diwali 'Padwa' on Monday, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray announced on Saturday.

As per the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) released by the state government, religious places located out of COVID-19 containment zones will be allowed to remain open as per the timings decided by authorities, and devotees will be allowed inside in a staggered manner.

Extending greetings to people on the occasion of the festival of lights, he said in a statement: "We can't forget that the demon coronavirus is still amongst us. Even though this demon is slowly falling silent now, we cannot be complacent. Citizens need to follow discipline."

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