<p class="title">Covid-19 protocol took a backseat, with thousands of devotees witnessing Sapthotsava and Rathotsava at Sri Krishna Mutt in Udupi.</p>.<p class="bodytext">On the occasion of Makara Sankranti, devotees pulled three huge chariots to mark the seven-day festival and on Saturday also devotees pulled Rathas during the day.</p>.<p class="bodytext">On both days, the celebrations witnessed a gross violation of Covid-19 guidelines.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Social activist Nityananda Olakadu told <em><span class="italic">DH</span></em> that many among thousands of people were not wearing masks nor were they practising social distancing.</p>.<p class="bodytext">“Is there a separate rule for layman and Matadheeshas? We do not oppose the ritual, but, they should be done keeping the present situation in mind, he stressed.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Social media was also flooded with criticisms on how thousands of devotees were allowed to attend the chariot festival amid rising Covid 19 cases.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Columnist Gautham Machaiah tweeted that after Congress padayatra, it was the Rathothsava at Udupi Mutt blatantly violating Covid 19 protocols.</p>.<p class="bodytext">“While the common man has to endure the pangs of unscientific lockdowns and police lathis, politicians and religious leaders are given a free pass,” his tweet read.</p>.<p class="bodytext">One Vinay posted a tweet wondering who would file a PIL against Udupi Mutt for violating Covid-19 regulations.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Udupi Deputy Commissioner Kurma Rao said that the tahsildar had been directed to look into the situation.</p>.<p class="bodytext">He will also hold talks with Krishnapura Paryaya Samiti and discuss on Covid-19 protocol in place for Paryaya celebrations that will begin from January 1 onwards. The Covid-19 guidelines will not stall the religious and spiritual celebrations, but, the celebrations should be carried in adherence to Covid-19 protocol, he added.</p>.<p class="bodytext">“Sri Vidyasagara Theertha Swami of Krishnapura Mutt, who will ascend the Peeta is cooperating and in fact wholeheartedly favouring the idea of strict implementation of Covid-19 guidelines,” he said.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Udupi Superintendent of Police Vishnuvardhan said that he and the deputy commissioner will meet on Monday to oversee Paryaya celebrations and the restrictions.</p>.<p class="bodytext">He had asked the tahsildar and DySP to brief him on the violations that took place during Makara Sankranti and Choornotsava celebrations.</p>
<p class="title">Covid-19 protocol took a backseat, with thousands of devotees witnessing Sapthotsava and Rathotsava at Sri Krishna Mutt in Udupi.</p>.<p class="bodytext">On the occasion of Makara Sankranti, devotees pulled three huge chariots to mark the seven-day festival and on Saturday also devotees pulled Rathas during the day.</p>.<p class="bodytext">On both days, the celebrations witnessed a gross violation of Covid-19 guidelines.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Social activist Nityananda Olakadu told <em><span class="italic">DH</span></em> that many among thousands of people were not wearing masks nor were they practising social distancing.</p>.<p class="bodytext">“Is there a separate rule for layman and Matadheeshas? We do not oppose the ritual, but, they should be done keeping the present situation in mind, he stressed.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Social media was also flooded with criticisms on how thousands of devotees were allowed to attend the chariot festival amid rising Covid 19 cases.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Columnist Gautham Machaiah tweeted that after Congress padayatra, it was the Rathothsava at Udupi Mutt blatantly violating Covid 19 protocols.</p>.<p class="bodytext">“While the common man has to endure the pangs of unscientific lockdowns and police lathis, politicians and religious leaders are given a free pass,” his tweet read.</p>.<p class="bodytext">One Vinay posted a tweet wondering who would file a PIL against Udupi Mutt for violating Covid-19 regulations.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Udupi Deputy Commissioner Kurma Rao said that the tahsildar had been directed to look into the situation.</p>.<p class="bodytext">He will also hold talks with Krishnapura Paryaya Samiti and discuss on Covid-19 protocol in place for Paryaya celebrations that will begin from January 1 onwards. The Covid-19 guidelines will not stall the religious and spiritual celebrations, but, the celebrations should be carried in adherence to Covid-19 protocol, he added.</p>.<p class="bodytext">“Sri Vidyasagara Theertha Swami of Krishnapura Mutt, who will ascend the Peeta is cooperating and in fact wholeheartedly favouring the idea of strict implementation of Covid-19 guidelines,” he said.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Udupi Superintendent of Police Vishnuvardhan said that he and the deputy commissioner will meet on Monday to oversee Paryaya celebrations and the restrictions.</p>.<p class="bodytext">He had asked the tahsildar and DySP to brief him on the violations that took place during Makara Sankranti and Choornotsava celebrations.</p>