NEW DELHI: The Centre has sent an advisory to all state governments and Union Territories (UTs) administration asking them to remain alert and make sure that no prayer gathering takes place in Mosques during the holy month of Ramzan beginning this Thursday.
Noting that the advisory has been sent in view of the ongoing lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak, officials in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said, the states and the UTs have been advised to take help from community leaders in impressing their followers to remain indoors.
As per the revised consolidated guidelines issued by the MHA on April 15 prayers and gatherings at religious places have prohibited during lockdown period and the government expects that people would follow the directive, the officials said.
The officials said the communication to states and UTs was sent following intelligence input suggesting that people may gather in mosques in some parts of the country for ‘Taraweeh’ prayers, which are normally conducted in mosques in the evening.
According to the revised consolidated guidelines issued by the Home Ministry on April 15, all religious places and places of worship shall be closed for public. Religious congregations are strictly prohibited during the lockdown, which will continue till May 3.
The state governments were also told to reach out to mosque management committees and community leaders through local police so that no one visits mosques for prayers, the officials said.
As part of religious practice people observe dawn-to-dusk fast and hold community prayers during the month of Ramzan. They also host iftar feasts in which people gather to have community meal in the evening during the holy month.