Mysore/Mysuru: In view of the rapid spreading of COVID-19, the Health and Family Welfare Secretariat, Government of India, in reference to the Moharram rituals, observed from Aug. 21 to 30 by all sections of the Muslim community by taking out processions, conducting Majlis, Fateha and Ziyarath in the Ashurkhanas/ Masjids and Dargas, has issued guidelines prohibiting large gathering and congregation.

A.B. Ibrahim, Secretary, Department of Minority Welfare, Haj and Wakf, has given the proceedings of the Government of Karnataka (Order dated 14.8.2020) for strict implementation of COVID-19 protocol and guidelines, which are as follows:

1. No Alams/ Panja should be installed in public places and Tazia is prohibited in public places. Congregation and processions from Aug. 21 to 30 is prohibited in all districts and devotees participating in Moharram rituals should be limited to minimum number and social distancing should be maintained.

2. Public gathering and taking out processions are prohibited.

3. Congregation of any type is prohibited in any public places including Khabarastans (burial grounds) and visit to Khabarastans is allowed only for the purpose of burials and not for rituals connected to Moharram.

4. Majlis-e-Aza Imam Hussain (A.S) (Religious Sermons) is permitted only in halls by maintaining social distancing and taking all preventive measures of COVID-19 protocol.

5. Distribution of Tabaruk/Sharbat/ Drinking Water is permitted only in sealed packets by maintaining social distance and devotees are not allowed to consume the same in the premises of Ashurkhanas.

6. Ashurkhanas/ Masjids/ Dargahs and other places, where Alams/ Tazias are installed should be sanitised or disinfected.

7. The number of participants may be reduced at fateha and for Majlis-e-Aza (A.S) by ensuring the capacity of gathering as per the Ministry of Health, Government of India, guidelines of COVID-19. The general public and devotees are advised to offer fateha/ Majlis at their respective houses in view of COVID-19.

8. Carpets should be removed and seating places should be marked by maintaining social distancing after every Majlis-e-Aza.

9. Touching of Panja, Alam and Tazia should be avoided and Ziyarath should be done from safe distance only.

10. Entry of devotees should be monitored by avoiding large gatherings.

11. The Management Committees/ Muthavallies/ Administrators should display the maximum number of devotees accommodated in Asthanas/ Ashurkhanas for Majlis and should close the gates once the devotees occupy the slots.

12. The DOs and DON’Ts for devotees should be announced in loud speakers.

13. Use of face masks is mandatory for all devotees.

14. Wadhu (Ablution) should be performed at houses.

15. Persons above 60 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, asymptomatic persons and children below 10 years are not allowed for Ziyarath. They should offer prayers at their respective houses.

16. All individuals should maintain social distancing of 6ft. at all times.

17. Compulsory thermal screening should be done at the entry points.

18. Santiser and provision for washing hands with liquid soap should be made at the entrance and at appropriate places.

19. Holy Quran, other religious literature and Tasbeehs should be kept in safe custody.

20. Special attention should be given to unknown entrants for health and security purposes.

21. Beggars should not be allowed to sit outside Ashurkhanas/Masjids or Dargahs.

22. Guidelines issued by the State Government and the District Administration should be strictly followed.

This order of restricting the celebration is issued only for this year and shall not be a precedent for future cases and the Managing Committees/ Muthwallis/ Administrators of Wakf institutions should take necessary steps to strictly implement the Moharram guidelines. The Wakf Officers in the State shall ensure the adherence of the guidelines and circulate the same to all Managing Committees/ Muthwallies/ Administrators of Wakf institutions and any derelictions in this regard would be viewed seriously.