UP Bans Processions On Muharram In View Of Covid Pandemic, Security Concerns

"Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, no permission should be granted to take out any processions/''Tazias''," the order said.

The Uttar Pradesh government has asked district authorities to not allow any religious processions to be taken out on the occasion of Muharram in view of the COVID-19 pandemic and security concerns. ''Tazias'' will not be installed publicly. However, they can be set up at homes, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Awanish Awasthi said in directions issued to district magistrates, senior superintendents of police and other senior officials. "Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, no permission should be granted to take out any processions/''Tazias''," the order said. It also directed officials to talk to religious leaders to ensure strict compliance of the order.