Panaji, Jul 31 (IANS): Stressing adequate precautions related to Covid-19, Goa RSS chief Lakshman Behare said on Friday that people should not attend large gatherings in temples or open areas to mark the start of Ram temple construction at Ayodhya on August 5 and instead stay at home and celebrate.

"We have to follow precautions related to Covid-19. Organise small meetings at homes, instead of assembling in large numbers in temples near our homes. We have to protect ourselves from Covid-19," Behare told reporters while talking on the foundation stone-laying ceremony in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh.

The state Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sanghachalak also said that the beginning of the construction work was a "matter of pride for the Hindus" and urged people to light lamps in their homes after the conclusion of the 'bhumi pujan' ceremony on August 5.

"This is an opportunity to create awareness about the Hindu identity. It should be utilised to the fullest. We should watch the religious ceremony from the comforts of our homes," Behare said.

"We should also pray for the quick construction of the temple," the RSS leader said.