Temple Reopening Brings Hope, Navratri Eagerly Awaited

Namara Temple Head Priest, Maya Wati, says the recent easing of COVID-19 social gathering restrictions, means they would now be able to celebrate the auspicious Hindu festival Navratri, which begins on Thursday.

The festival would concurrently be held for nine days. It celebrates and honours the Hindu Goddess Durga for defeating the demon Mahishasura.

Ms Wati yesterday said she was filled with comfort and joy to finally reopen the temple premises for their worshipers to participate in their pray sessions, religious festivities and other Hindu ritual sessions.

She said they are expecting close to 70 fully vaccinated worshippers to be part of the festivities on Thursday.

These numbers indicated would see a decline from the 150 members who celebrated the festival last year.

“During the lockdown period, we had to wisely manage our resources and finances to continue catering for the temple expenses,” she stated.

The 65-year-old said the last two years had been the most challenging time in her life because she and her members had never faced a threat like COVID-19.

Ms Wati said they had already arranged to implement all Government-mandated COVID-safe verification tools at the temple premises.

“We would also provide outside sitting provisions for limited unvaccinated individuals with all COVID-safe protocols being strictly adhered to,” she said.

Meanwhile, Shree Sanatan Dharam Pratinidhi Sabha National President, Sarju Prasad commended the resilient effort of all their members during this challenging COVID-19 period.

Mr Prasad reiterated that fully vaccinated individuals would be able to return to their normal lives once again.

“I continue to say this and will say again; we need to be fully jabbed to ensure that our surroundings, workplaces, houses of worship and homes are COVID-contained,” she said.

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