The Maharashtra Government on Saturday announced the reopening of temples and all other religious places in the state from Monday, November 16. The Uddhav Thackeray-led government said that wearing of face masks, social distancing and all COVID-19 norms will will remain in effect at religious places. ALSO READ | PM Modi Celebrates Diwali With Security Forces, Warns Enemies Saying, 'If Tested At Border, Answer Will Be Befitting'


"All religious places in the state to re-open for devotees from Monday, 16th November. Wearing the mask will be compulsory, all COVID norms will have to be followed," Government of Maharashtra said in a statement.

Last week, the Maharashtra CM while greeting citizens for the upcoming festival of Diwali, had hinted at the opening of Temples and other places of worship that have been closed since March due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Thackeray also confirmed that schools were set to resume (for Classes 9 to 12) after Diwali, with safety protocols already in place for this.

Citing the dangers posed by the novel Coronavirus, the Chief Minister said that the SOPs to minimize transmission of the virus could be released after Diwali.

"When will temples open? They will open soon. After Diwali, we will create SOPs for this. Elderly people visit temples and they are at risk (of contracting Covid). Therefore overcrowding needs to be avoided... be it temples, masjids, or any other place," Thackeray said.

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The re-opening of temples in the state had triggered a satirical row between  Thackeray and Governor BS Koshyari early last month; the Governor, in a sarcasm-dense letter, asked the Chief Minister if he had "turned secular".