The Maharashtra government earlier this month made it mandatory for all 'mandals' to take prior permission from the concerned municipality or local authority for Ganeshotsav celebrations. The government has also capped the maximum idol height at 4 feet. The home department has issued detailed guidelines for the organisers keeping in mind the coronavirus pandemic situation in the state. The government has directed that even the idols installed at home cannot be taller than two feet. It also advised Ganesh Mandals to postpone immersion of idols.
The mandals have been asked to consider immersion of idols during the Maghi Ganesh Chaturthi which falls in February or during the next year's Ganesh Chaturthi festival. The state government has also urged people to use metal or marble Ganesh idols at home. If clay idols are installed, they should be immersed at home or in nearby artificial ponds.
The government has said that processions to mark arrival and immersion of idols will not be allowed as it attracts a crowd. It also said that there should be no crowds during daily `aarti' and noise pollution norms must be followed. The ten-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival, during which 'Sarvajanik Mandals' install idols in roadside pandals will begin from August 22.
Transport Minister Anil Parab on Monday said that the state is looking at allowing people to travel to Konkan for the 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi, beginning August 22. Lakhs of people from the districts of Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, who have migrated to other parts of the state, especially Mumbai, return to their home districts annually for the festival. "We are positive about allowing people to go to Konkan for Ganesh Chaturthi. However, those who go will have to abide by rules laid down by the state," Parab told The Indian Express.
Lakhs of people from the districts of Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, who have migrated to other parts of the state, especially Mumbai, return to their home districts annually for the festival. "We are positive about allowing people to go to Konkan for Ganesh Chaturthi. However, those who go will have to abide by rules laid down by the state," Parab added while speaking to The Indian Express.
Edited by:
Khevna Pandit
