Compromising with decade old tradition, Belur Math will live stream Kumari Puja this year

The authorities of Belur Math – global headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and Mission – will live stream the centuries-old Kumari Puja tradition this year thanks to COVID-19 pandemic.
No visitor are going to be allowed entry during Kumari Puja ritual, which usually attracts thousands of devotees within the compound.

The Belur Math authorities had one month back barred entry of tourists to the maths complex after opening it in mid-June with several COVID-19 cases reported among the monks and other staff.

A spokesman told PTI on Saturday that the authorities are yet to make a decision whether entry of public will altogether be banned throughout the four puja days and therefore the image and rituals also will be similarly streamed and telecast on channels to enable devotees to possess virtual darshan.

“We will definitely hold Kumari puja, a requirement ritual followed for 121 years, but we cannot risk COVID-19 infection albeit alittle gathering is allowed. The kumari puja are going to be held within the presence of a couple of senior monks and therefore the parents of the girl child who are going to be worshipped as Maa Durga,” the spokesman said.

He said the kid , selected after several processes, and her parents will undergo Covid tests and must follow all safety protocols.
As a part of the Kumari puja rituals, a touch girl, but eight years aged , is chosen by the monks after the consent of her family is taken and worshipped on the day of Mahastami, the second day of the puja.

The Kumari puja, a well-liked affair, is watched by thousands of devotees because the proceedings happen during a pandal next to the most temple complex.

However, thanks to this pandemic situation, the puja are going to be organized inside the most temple complex, the spokesman said.

“We are yet to make a decision whether entry of tourists are going to be altogether prevented on the puja days and other rituals also will be streamed similarly just like the Kumari puja.