Call to open cultural sites

Kathmandu - The World Hindu Federation has expressed concern over the closure of the temple, shrines and other religious sites for the past six months. It has demanded that the sites be opened by maintaining social distancing. Issuing a statement on Friday, the Federation Chair Ram Chandra Adhikari and General Secretary Ganesh Prasad Neupane has expressed concern over the government's decision to open other sectors by maintaining social distancing but shutting down the temples, shrines and monasteries.

It may be noted that the major religious sites including Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath and other shrines remain closed since March. Though the Pashupati Area Development Trust developed a protocol to open the Pashupati temple by following physical distancing, the government has not allowed opening of the temple.