Coronavirus combat: MP CM promises to do 'Giriraj parikrama'

Bhopal, Apr 5 () Madhya Pradesh Chief MinisterShivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday said he would circumambulatethe sacred Govardhan hillock in Mathura in Uttar Pradesh afterthe novel coronavirus outbreak is overcome.

The ritual is popularly known as 'Giriraj Parikrama'.

Chouhan, in an address on state-run broadcasterDoordarshan, also asked people not to conduct marriages orfunerary functions at present due to the virus outbreak.

"I will go for a parikrama (circumambulation) ofGiriraj ji (a sacred hillock in UP's Mathura) after the end ofthe coronavirus crisis," he said.

Asking people to avoid celebarting festivals orrituals that involve crowds, the MP CM said, "The virus spreadin Morena because a Dubai returnee organised mrityu bhoj (afeast organised as per Hindu tradition on the 13th day ofmourning after a person's death). I request people not to holdmrityu bhoj or marriage functions etc during this time ofcrisis."

In Morena, 12 people have been infected with thevirus, the starting point of transmission being the Dubaireturnee, who arrived in the district on March 17 and held afunction on March 20, and his wife.

Ten people who attended the function later testedpositive, besides the Dubai returnee and his wife. ADUBNM BNM