KATHMANDU: The government has urged people to avoid gatherings in or around religious sites.

The instruction comes as people have started gathering and celebrating festivals of late.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has urged one and all to avoid gatherings and celebrate festivals by maintaining social distance.

The Ministry has directed all Chief District Officers of all the 77 districts to control gatherings at the religious sites.

It should be added that a significant number of devotees thronged the Pashupati area on Sunday on the occasion of Janai Purnima.

Meanwhile, the Newari community in Kathmandu is celebrating the Gai Jatra festival in remembrance of deceased family members today.