State Government allows Jain sadhus, sadhvis to travel for Chaturmas

Staff Reporter :

Jain community welcomes the decision

Maharashtra Government has allowed Jain sadhus and sadhvis to travel on foot for Chaturmas beginning in July. While asking the sadhus and sadhvis to ensure that all guidelines regarding COVID-19 and public health are followed, the Government has asked the cops to ensure their safety and maintenance of law and order. Kishoreraje Nimbalkar, Secretary of Disaster Management, Relief and Rehabilitation, and Revenue and Forest Department, issued a communique in this regard to Director General of Police, all Commissioners of Police, all District Collectors, and all District Superintendents of Police in the State.

As per the communique, Jain sadhus and sadhvis travel from one place to another for Chaturmas. Some old sadhus and sadhvis also cover the distance using wheelchair. They are accompanied by their ‘sevak varga’. Due to lockdown in force in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak in the country, Jain sadhus and sadhvis cannot travel. Now, State Government has allowed them to travel subject to them following the guidelines issued by Central and State Governments from time to time regarding COVID-19. Also, they have been asked to abide by certain conditions.

These include not to travel with more than five persons, to ensure no crowding at places of their stay, to maintain social distancing between two persons, and to use face-masks. The cops have been asked to ensure safety of sadhus and sadhvis and to maintain law and order. Meanwhile, Jain community in the city has welcomed the State Government’s decision. Manish Chhallani, Secretary, Shri Wardhaman Sthanakwasi Jain Shravak Sangh, stated in a press release that Jain community spends much of its time in service of Jain sadhus and sadhvis during Chaturmas (four months). This year, Chaturmas is beginning from July 5. He thanked the State Government for allowing sadhus and sadhvis to travel for Chaturmas.