Prominent Hindu shrines in Himachal closed

 Most of the prominent Hindu shrines in Himachal Pradesh were closed from Tuesday in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The temples that were closed till further orders include the hilltop Naina Devi in Bilaspur district; Chintpurni in Una district; and Brajeshwari Devi, Jwalaji, Baglamukhi, Chamunda Devi and Bijnath in the Kangra district.

They normally witness a huge rush. A majority of the pilgrims come from Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi.

These temples were expected to receive a large number of devotees during the Navratri festival that is beginning on March 25.

The devotees could watch online live "darshan" of the Brajeshwari Devi, Naina Devi, Chintpurni and Jwalaji temples, an official said. They would also be able to offer online offerings. IANS