Avoid visiting Khuldabad, mark Hanuman anniversary at home: Admin

AURANGABAD: The district administration has warned devotees against visiting Khuldabad on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti on Wednesday, as the nationwide lockdown is in force and violation of the order will mean legal action.
Khuldabad, which has the idol of Hanuman in a sleeping posture, attracts a large number of devotees on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti every year while a section of devotees from the city undertakes a 30-km journey on foot on the occasion.
“The government has announced lockdown in the country till April 14 to contain the spread of Covid-19 pandemic. Hence, we appeal to the devotees not to visit Khuldabad this year for Hanuman Jayanti,” said Khuldabad tehsildar Rahul Gaikwad.
The government authorities highlighted that Section 144 of IPC was in place, which bans assembly of five or more people. Also, the Disaster Management Act 2005 is in place during the current lockdown.
“We appeal to the devotees to pray from their homes on the occasion. It will help in avoiding crowding the place and put a check on the spread of coronavirus,” said the authorities.
Mahavir Jayanti sees low-key celebration
Mahavir Jayanti witnessed toned down celebrations in the city, with majority of Jain temples remaining closed for devotees in view of the lockdown.
Tansukh Zambad, national vice-president of All India Jain Conference, said that the organisation has donated Rs 31 lakh to the PM Cares Fund. “The Jain community is committed to the cause of fighting the pandemic. As a social responsibility, we have offered money for relief work and are also followed the lockdown norms on Mahavir Jayanti,” he said.
Among other celebrations, the Jain community carries out processions every year to mark the birth of Mahavir.