The night curfew will end from August 1 outside the Covid containment zones in the country, and gyms can be opened and yoga classes conducted from August 5, the Union home ministry has announced.

The guidelines for “Unlock 3” prohibit social, political, entertainment, academic, cultural and religious programmes and other large congregations. “Dates for opening these will be decided separately, based on the assessment of the situation,” the ministry said in the new guidelines.

The bhumi pujan ceremony for the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya is scheduled for August 5, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to attend it.

Asked whether the bhumi pujan ceremony has been exempt, a home ministry spokesperson refused to comment.

Independence Day functions have been allowed with social-distancing norms and other health protocols, such as wearing masks.

The fresh guidelines extended the strict enforcement of the general lockdown in the containment zones till August 31.

Schools, colleges, coaching institutes, Metro rail, cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars and auditoriums will continue to remain closed across the country till August 31.

The health ministry will issue the standard operating procedure for gyms and yoga classes.