Several heads of shrines in Kerala have written to the state government seeking its permission to open temples, mosques and churches in a staggered manner. All places of worship in India are closed since March 25 after the federal government imposed nationwide lockdown restrictions to contain the spread of coronavirus disease.

The leaders appeal has come amid reports of a growing cash crunch as the lockdown has forced devotees to stay away.

However, the federal government’s decision to impose the fourth round of lockdown for 14 days from May 17 has disappointed the shrine heads.

The government directive bars gatherings in all places of worship in the country, including Kerala.

Cardinal George Alencherry, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, wrote to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on May 17 seeking permission to open Christian religious centres to conduct daily ceremonies with the faithful in a restricted manner. The All India Imam Council has also approached the government. The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which runs 2,000-odd temples in south and central Kerala, including the hill shrine Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta district, has urged the state government to at least allow devotees, who want to make significant offerings.