LUCKNOW, Oct. 26 -- Devotees visiting Lucknow's Hanuman Setu temple can no longer offer flower garlands to Lord Hanuman and other deities, following a decision by the temple trust to protect the idols from damage caused by moisture, insects and repeated handling of garlands.

The restriction, introduced around two months ago, has ended the temple's longstanding practice of accepting flower garlands as offerings. Devotees can now offer only cloth or paper garlands bearing the names of Lord Ram or 'Siya Ram'.

Temple priests said flower garlands often contain insects and dirt. Water sprinkled on them to keep the flowers fresh causes the colours of the clothes adorning the idols to bleed and stain their surfaces. Repeatedly placing and remov...