The Bengal unit of the Viswa Hindu Parishad has decided not to hold large processions on Ram Navami this year because of the coronavirus threat.

But the VHP will continue with its plan to celebrate the event in all blocks with less number of people.

“We will go ahead with all rituals. But all large processions have been cancelled,” said Sourish Mukherjee, a VHP spokesperson.

“We have directed all our local units to scale down the celebrations.”

The VHP had planned a fortnight-long Ram Mahotsav to celebrate the Supreme Court’s Ayodhya judgment.

“The event would have marked our victory over the disputed piece of land. However, all events are being curtailed in the wake of the Covid-19 situation,” said another VHP insider.

The CPM has decided to launch a coronavirus awareness programme. “Two to three person will go from door-to-door and educate people on how to be safe in this situation,” said Surjya Kanta Mishra, the CPM state secretary.

Temple shut

The Tarakeswar temple in Hooghly was shut to visitors on Wednesday because of the Covid-19 pandemic.