Some Indian Temples Refuse To Use Alcohol-Based Sanitisers

Despite the increase in the number of positive COVID-19 cases, India reopened its public places including malls and temples. And this “Unlock 1.0” decision is shrouded in controversy. In Mathura and Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, some temples are protesting against this reopening. And they have the strangest reason for the protest: they don’t want to use sanitizers with alcohol base in the temple premises.

Sanitizers are mandatory according to the government rules. But these temples expressed their disapproval of these sanitizers since they contain alcohol.

A priest said that sanitizers shouldn’t be used at places of worship. He said that people weren’t allowed to enter a temple after consuming alcohol. So people who washed their hands with alcohol should not go inside either. The priest added that washing hands with soaps in washing basins before coming inside the temples to maintain hygiene is acceptable.

In Madhya Pradesh’s Indore, at weekends, temples were sanitized using non-alcohol products considering the temple’s sanctity.

Several guidelines have been issued by the government regarding visiting temples. These include the basic guidelines for COVID-19: maintaining six feet apart, using face masks, washing, and sanitizing hands frequently.

The government has also added additional rules like no touching holy books or idols, no physical offerings, visitors should remove their footwear in their cars instead of outside the temples.

Additionally, devotees are recommended to bring with them a personal prayer mat.

Meanwhile, some temples in Vrindavan and Mathura would install LED screens outside for “darshan for the devotees.”

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