Coconut offering banned in Himachal temples

Shimla, Sep 30 (IANS) The offering of coconut has been banned at a few temples in Himachal Pradesh during the Navaratri celebration, a police official said Tuesday.

The police have stepped up vigil in and around various temples in the state following the recent blasts in Delhi, a police official said.

'During the nine-day long Navaratri celebrations, we have banned the offering of coconuts in Brajeshwari Devi, Jawala Ji and Chamunda Devi temples in Kangra district to prevent any untoward incidents,' Inspector-General of Police (Law and Order) S.R. Mardi told IANS.

He said: 'Bomb squads have been deployed in these temples to defuse bombs.'

'More than 150 police personnel have been deployed in each temple to regulate pilgrim traffic and entry points to the three temple towns have been sealed,' Mardi added.