Gurugram: The threat of coronavirus has cast a shadow on the annual Chaitra Mela. The mela, which got underway on Monday, was later cancelled by an order issued by the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG).
The mela is hosted by the Sheetla Mata Mandir every year.
The MCG order advised the devotees of the ongoing Chaitra Mela to stay away from crowded places as a precaution to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Shree Mata Sheetla Shrine Board has also asked the devotees not to visit the temple for the Chaitra fair for the same reason.
“The Chitra fair to be held at Sheetla Mata courtyard has been closed in compliance with the state government guidelines issued on the coronavirus. All the devotees are requested to return home. This restriction will continue till further orders,” said a statement issued by the MCG.
Vinay Pratap Singh, chief administrator of Shree Mata Sheetla Shrine Board and MCG Commissioner said that the decision has been taken as a precaution in compliance with the state government order prohibiting gathering of more than 200 people at one place.
Every year, thousands of devotees come here from far-flung areas for the Chaitra fair. Given the looming threat of coronavirus, the devotees would have been exposed to the risk of infection.