Mysore/Mysuru: With COVID-19 positive cases on the rise once again after a brief  period of downslide, the District Administration, taking no chances, has cancelled the famed Srikanteshwara Gauthama Pancha Maharathotsava at the temple town of Nanjangud in the district, that was scheduled to take place on Mar.26. 

Deputy Commissioner Rohini Sindhuri, in an order issued to this effect, said that the Rathotsava has been cancelled due to rising cases of COVID-19 in the State. However, the customary  pujas and  rituals associated with the Rathotsava can be held in the traditional manner in the premises of Srikanteshwara temple from Mar.19 to 30. 

Meanwhile, the entry of devotees to Srikanteshwara temple has been restricted  from Mar.19 to 30. Devotees from outside the town, taluk, district and State have been barred from visiting the temple during this period (Mar.19 to 30). Only the temple priests, staff and local devotees are allowed to take part in the traditional and customary pujas and rituals to be held inside the temple premises, by following all COVID-19 SOPs.