Katra: The pilgrimage for the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir will resume today. The yatra was suspended for nearly 5 months in view of the coronavirus pandemic since March 18. ALSO READ | President Ram Nath Kovind To Unveil Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee's Potrait On 2nd Death Anniversary Today Here are the specific guidelines to be followed for the Vaishno Devi Yatra:
  • To being with, there will be a limit of 2,000 pilgrims each day during the first week.
  • Thereafter a maximum of 5,000 pilgrims may be allowed per day till September 30, 2020 - there is a cap of 500 yatris for those coming from outside Jammu & Kashmir.
  • The registration for the yatra has to be done online to avoid unnecessary physical contact with crowding.
  • Yatris coming from other states and red zones within J&K have to undergo the mandatory Covid-19 antigen test. People will be allowed to proceed only if they test negative.
  • Only 600 people, including pilgrims, staff members and security personnel, will be allowed in the main Bhawan area. For this, pilgrims will be staggered accordingly.
  • The route towards the main shrine will be put to use for staggering the pilgrims to ensure social distancing among them.
  • Wearing a mask is mandatory for everyone.
  • People who are over the age of 60, people with co-morbidities, pregnant women, children below the age of 10 have been advised not to visit any religious place in J&K.
  • Pilgrims should not stay inside the main shrine after darshan.
  • Cleaning and sanitization protocol at all places including the holy caves and main shrine has to be followed.
  • Enough points for cleaning hands and feet have to be provided.
  • All places such including toilet blocks, bathing ghats, guest houses, battery cars, Helicopters and Cable car have to be sanitised regularly and proper hygiene practises have to be followed.
  • Dedicated facilities for Isolation and Quarantine have to be set aside.
  • Use of ponies/equines disallowed until further orders.
ALSO READ | Independence Day 2020: Full Text Of PM Modi's Address To Nation From The Ramparts Of Red Fort Meanwhile, following are the general guidelines that have to be followed while going to any place of worship. General guidelines for places of worship:
  • Touching of statues, idols and holy books should not be allowed and large gatherings to be prohibited.
  • It is important that required social distancing and other preventive measures are followed in those premises.
  • Visitors have to be staggered. Footwears to be preferably taken-off inside own vehicle. If needed they should be kept in separate slots for each individual/ family by the persons themselves.
  • Social distancing norms (a minimum distance of 6ft) need to be followed.
  • Recorded devotional music or songs may be played and choir or singing groups should not be allowed.
  • Common prayer mats should be avoided and devotees should bring their own mat or piece of cloth to sit on, which they may take back with them.
  • No physical offerings like prasad/distribution or sprinkling of holy water, etc should be allowed.
  • Community kitchens, langars, 'Ann-Daan' etc at religious places should follow physical distancing norms while preparing and distributing food.
  • People aged above 65, having comorbidities, pregnant woman and children below the age of 10 years are advised to stay at home and avoid visiting religious places.
  • Hand hygiene (sanitizer dispenser) needs to be ensured and the entrance needs to mandatorily have thermal screening.
  • Asymptomatic people should be allowed inside the premises with face cover or masks.
  • Installation and use of Aarogya Setu App advised to all.
  • The management must ensure frequent cleaning and disinfection of the floors and other surfaces.
  • In case of a suspect or confirmed case in the premises, the ill person should be placed in an isolated room or area and the nearest medical facility (hospital/clinic) should be informed. The premises should be disinfected if the person is found positive.