Muslims in Kathmandu gathered in mosques on Friday to offer prayers in a group for the first time in nine months. Mosques,which were closed for followers since March due to Covid-19 situation, reopened two days ago after the government decided to allow people to visit religious places.

Masks have been made mandatory at religious sites and people should follow social distancing to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

On Wednesday, the Pashupatinath temple reopened for worshippers with safety measures in place.

“Though the reciting of namaz for five times in a day has been allowed in case of Kathmandu, respective mosque committees will decide for those places where people gather in large numbers, especially on Fridays,” said Samim Miya Ansari, the chairman of Muslim Commission.

Post photojournalist Angad Dhakal took some pictures of Friday’s prayer at Kashmiri Jama Masjid in Ghanta Ghar, Kathmandu.