All BAPS temples to remain closed in India till June 15

According to an official statement from the Chief Minister's office, "sacred land of the Ganga River, Yamuna River, the Char Dham, Adi Kailash and several revered Shakti Peeths, Uttarakhand has long been a center of faith for Sanatan followers across the world. In this context, the state government is making efforts to promote Uttarakhand as a major hub for religious and spiritual tourism and pilgrimage, which is also expected to boost economic activities in the state."

In the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the 93rd Pragatyotsav of Pujya Bapji, founder of the SMVS (Swaminarayan Mandir Vasna Sanstha), was celebrated at Riverfront in Ahmedabad, the release said.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat on Wednesday urged that the 'Sangh' should be viewed from a humanistic angle rather than a political one for better understanding, while visiting the Swaminarayan Temple in Vadtal, Gujarat.

Temples across India closed their gates on Tuesday as the 'Sutak Kaal' (inauspicious period) began ahead of the first lunar eclipse of the year, with priests saying the doors will reopen after the eclipse ends in the evening.

Hariom Vashishth from Rohtak said he had arrived a day earlier and completed the ritual bath before the eclipse began. He explained that a fast is observed during the sutak period, during which devotees refrain from drinking water, eating food, or performing any rituals. He added that the eclipse is scheduled from 3:20 pm to 6:47 pm, while the sutak period begins nine hours prior, leading to the closure of temple doors.