Tamil Nadu: Couples marry outside temple premises as state bans entry to places of worship

Tamil Nadu government on Saturday issued fresh coronavirus guidelines as the state's active Covid-19 tally touched 1 lakh. Among other stricter curbs, the new guideline bans public entry into places of worship.

In view of rising coronavirus cases in the state, the Tamil Nadu government on Saturday announced shutting down of cinemas, places of worship, malls, bars and salons from April 26. With the entrance to places of worship prohibited, several couples in Tamil Nadu decided to get married right outside a sacred temple's entrance. Thiruvanthipuram Devanatha Swamy is considered sacred by several people who believe that if a couple gets married inside the temple, they will be blessed with a happy and prosperous life. On auspicious days, 100 to 300 marriages are said to take place inside the temple premises. People from Puducherry, Villupuram and Cuddalore travel to get married here.