Cancellation of Ganesh Visarjan celebration (Sunday, the 23 August 2020) on account of on-going pandemic concerns
Dear Member/Devotee
The Board of Management of the Temple, after a very careful consideration of the current situation caused by Covid-19 virus, has decided to cancel the “Ganesh Visarjan” event fixed to take place on 23 August 2020 at our temple. The primary reason for the cancellation is the sudden spike in the number of positive cases in NSW, particularly around Greater Sydney, which will pose a serious risk to the safety and well-being of our devotees, priests, employees and visitors.
This year, according to the Hindu calendar, Ganesh Chathurthi falls on the 22 August. We have taken steps to conduct the normal religious ceremonies associated with the event on that day, commencing early in the morning, on a very reduced scale. This will enable us to maintain the requirements of the Department of Health of NSW in relation to a Place of Worship. We will be maintaining strict control over the number of devotees that would be allowed into the temple premises (one hundred only at any given time) and within the temple social distance of one-half meters between devotees and 4 square meters per person.
The above decision was made with much reluctance; and we know that a number of devotees would be disappointed with the decision; but it cannot be helped. We are aware that a number of organisations including a place of worship have been fined for not complying with the rules relating to social distancing and 4 square meters per person rules. We intend to maintain our clean record in-tact and request every one of you to cooperate and comply with the rules.
Devotees are requested NOT to bring Ganesh idols at all to the Temple. They will not be accepted by the Temple Management for reasons of safety in the current environment.
In general, the following rules / guidelines are to be adhered to by all visitors to the Temple.
If you are sick or have any symptoms, even very mild cold, sore throat, cough or fever etc, avoid coming to the Temple.
Wash your hands clean with soap and water, prior to entering the Temple.
You must wait in the queue at the entrance, observing social distancing, that is keeping a distance of 1.5 meters apart.
When you arrive at the Temple entrance, you are required to register your name and number, your temperature will be checked and hand sanitiser will be provided.
You must wear a mask all the time during your presence in the Temple; If you do not have one, you can purchase at the registration table.
You may purchase the Pooja tokens at the counter; Card payments are preferred.
You must stand in the designated / marked areas and offer your prayers, observing the 4 sq.mt per person rule.
Please “exit” the Temple in a timely manner, so that we can accommodate those waiting in the queue to gain access.
You must follow the volunteers’ requests / instructions in a positive manner; Avoid unnecessary arguments or to challenge the request. The volunteers are there to help you and the Temple Management.
In anticipation of your co-operation, the Management would like to thank one and all for their understanding of the new rules and wish you have wonderful experience and receive the Lords’ Blessings.
