Bengaluru: It’s festive season in Uttar Pradesh, with Ram Navami round the corner. 

But with Coronavirus playing spoilsport, chief minister Yogi Adityanath has urged his people to hold festivities within the confines of their homes. 

"Chaitra Navratri is imminent and many devotees visit temples especially on the first, second, eight and ninth day. Fairs are also organised in many areas that see mass participation of people. In light of special circumstances, I appeal to the public to perform any religious ceremony at their homes so that the spread of the infectious virus can be prevented," Adityanath said in a government press release on Thursday. 

As per Economic Times, Anuj Jha, district magistrate of Ayodhya said, “"The government does not organise any fair, neither does it invite people to any such fair- it only makes necessary supplementary arrangements for lakhs of devotees that turn up to Ayodhya on Ram Navami. We are seeking the help of religious leaders in appealing to public about staying at home and celebrating. people coming to the city in religious faith cannot be asked to stay away."

The website also quoted Jha talking about the transfer of the idol of Ram Lalla to the platform inside the Ram janmbhoomi. 

He said, “Since April 2 is still two weeks away, any advisory regarding any fair , if needs to be issued, will be issued in due course of time. Meanwhile, the transfer of the idol of Ram Lalla to the platform inside the Ram janmbhoomi campus will take place as planned on March 25 and will witness the CM himself performing the puja.” 

The website also quoted a BJP spokesperson as saying, "It is not an organised fair like the Kumbh or the Ganga Aarti that can be called off. When the central government has issued advisories asking people to stay indoors and has put curbs on various kinds of public travel, who is going to come to the city.”