By Olivia Miwil - November 4, 2021 @ 12:29pm
KOTA KINABALU: The Deepavali celebration here in the state is kept to minimal in adhering to the Covid-19 prevention standard operating procedures (SOP).
As early as 7am, Hindus at temples began the 'puja' prayer session followed by 'Arati' (showing of fire) and 'Vibuthi' (annointment of ash) rituals.
Kota Kinabalu Sri Pasupathinath Alayam Temple president Datuk Dr K Mathavan said they were expecting more than 300 devotees to visit the temple up to 11am.
"For every session, we will limit 50 people at one time to do their prayers, which is about 50 per cent of the capacity of the temple.
"Children below 12 are also allowed to be here provided that their parents (or accompanying adults) are both vaccinated," he said.
Dr Perumal Deivanai, 50, said before Covid-19, Deepavali celebration at the temple was a public event in which there would be about 1,000 people at a time.
"However, since last year, there has only been a few. Today, the temple is only open to about 300 to 400 devotees. We are also giving takeaway breakfast," she said.
As for her celebration at home, Dr Perumal said it would be among family members and there would be no house visit due to the SOP.
At 10.30am, the temple also distributed 45 food baskets for families from the B40 households.
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