THE GOAN NETWORK
VASCO
Hundreds of devotees visited the famous Shree Damodar Mandir in Vasco, which reopened for the first time since the lockdown.
People began thronging the temple from as early as 7.30 am and the rush of devotees continued till late evening.
As per SOPs, people were seen wearing masks, maintaining social distance and sanitising their hands before entering the temple premises.
Among the many devotees to the temple included Urban Development Minister Milind Naik and outgoing Mormugao councillor Krishna Daji Salkar.
Speaking to reporters, Naik said he felt blessed to have finally entered the temple and offered prayers.
“With restrictions being lifted, people had demanded that religious places be opened and this is a good sign and temples have slowly been opened.’
“When I visited a church to wish a priest, I saw many devotees in the church as well for the Christmas mass. It feels nice that people are visiting religious places to offer their prayers but at the same time, they must strictly follow the SOPs,” said Naik.
Salkar said it was a good decision of the temple committee to have opened the doors of Shree Damodar Temple.
"As the temple has opened today, there is a rush of people and it was nice to see that the temple committee has decided on some SOPs because it is important that people follow the guidelines for safety,” said Salkar.
