Priests and vendors who sell various puja items outside temples, are facing a tough time these days as they are not earning a single penny due to shutdown of religious places.

The state government had declared a shutdown of religious places from March 25 to July 31. It is not confirmed if the government will allow opening of religious places after this deadline.

The priests at two famous temples of the state, Ma Chhinamastika in Rajrappa of Ramgarh district and Ma Bhadrakali temple in Itkhori of Chatra district, are facing tough times as their income has dried up and so have their savings that are being used to fulfill the daily needs of their families. In both temples, priests are coming shiftwise for puja and aarti minus devotees.

“We have all become economically weak and it has become very tough to run the family,” added a priest, Lokesh Panda.

He said said priests were now unemployed and waiting eagerly for the government’s decision regarding opening of temples.

“There are many who sell puja items and there were many hotels here as well. All of these did brisk business here due to a huge footfall of devotees.” he said.

A vendor said he visits the temple everyday. “I have never seen such a situation at the temple , which used to remain abuzz with activities till late evening. Pata nahi hamara kya hoga,” he added.

A hotel owner said several hundreds of people were earning here and all now sitting idle. We also need help and the government should think about us, he said.

The Bhadrakali temple in Itkhori of Chatra Vishvendu Jaipuriar

The priests and others associated with Ma Bhadrakali temple in Itkhori of Chatra district are facing a similar situation. Known for a confluence of three religions, Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism, a large number of devotees visit the temple every day.

A priest said he was now hopeful of the temples opening from August 1.

He also hoped that the government should help priests of all the temples. However, the temple committee had come forward with financial help.