In a first, major temples to remain out of bounds for devotees on Poila Baisakh

Kolkata: For the first time in the history of the state, Belur Math, Dakshineshwar and Kalighat temples will remain closed on Tuesday — the first day of the Bengali New Year or 'Poila Baisakh ' in view of the countrywide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Swami Suviranandaji, general secretary, Ramakrishna Math and Mission said it is for the first time when the devotees will not be allowed to visit Belur Math campus. Thousands of people visit the Math on the first day of the Bengali New Year. He said even the monks of the Ramakrishna Order will not be allowed to offer 'pranam' to the president Maharaj and vice-president Maharaj, shunning the age-old tradition. "After the lockdown is officially withdrawn we will sit and decide when Belur Math will be reopened. We have postponed the new session of the Bramhacharins at the training centre because of COVID-19," he maintained.

The usual sight of lakhs of people standing in long queues waiting for their turn to offer puja to Maa Bhabatarini at Dakshineshwar will be missing this year. "This is for the first time in the 167-year-old history of the temple when the devotees will not be allowed to offer puja to Maa Bhabatarini. Even during the famine of 1943 and the Great Calcutta killing of 1946, the temple was not closed and people came to offer their prayers," said Prasun Hazra, one of the Sevayets of the temple.

Around 2 to 2.5 lakh people visit the Dakshineshwar temple on 'Poila Baisakh'. The Bengali traders place the account books on the feet of the deity as it is considered to be holy on the first day of the Bengali New Year. Thousands of people take the holy dip at Hooghly. Devotees are found to meditate in the room in which Sri Ramakrishna used to stay on 'Poila Baisakh '. "All the usual sights will be missing this year," said Hazra adding "We will decide after the lockdown is withdrawn when to open the temple for the public."

There will be a deviation from the usual practice of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visiting the Kalighat temple on the eve of 'Poila Baisakh' too. It has been her practice to visit the temple at night on the eve of the Bengali New Year and offer special puja.

The Thanthania Kali Bari won't have visitors this year as well. Among the worst-hit are the flower traders who sell flowers at Dakshineshwar, Kalighat and Thanthania temples. The pandemic has hit the traders of Hatibagan and Gariahat where garments are sold in discount. "Our business has been affected so badly that it will take at least two years to recover the financial losses," said Gopal Saha, owner of a stall in Gariahat.

The famous Gajan Mela held in various parts of Kolkata, Jhargram, South 24-Parganas, Tarakeshwar and Nadia has been cancelled as the state administration will not allow any gathering.