Ganesh Chaturthi or Ganeshotsav will be celebrated in a simple way this year, Maharashtra government said
Bombay:
Maharashtra Interior Minister Anil Deshmukh urged people to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi (Ganeshotsav), which started today, in a low-key way and to avoid overcrowding due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He also urged members of the Muslim community to observe Muharram, which falls at the end of the month, in a straightforward manner and to avoid gatherings, according to an official statement.
The government has also issued guidelines for Ganeshotsav celebrations, saying processions should not be removed before installing and submerging idols.
He said the heights of the idols of Lord Ganesh installed by sarvajanik (community) mandals and the household level should be limited to 4 feet and 2 feet, respectively, this year.
The statement says it all mandals (associations) must set up mandaps (decorated temporary covered structures) in accordance with policies formulated by municipal corporations or local administration.
Ganesh Chaturthi or Ganeshotsav is to be celebrated in a simple way this year, so there should be no pomp in sarvajanik decorations mandals or individuals installing idols in homes, Deshmukh said in the statement.
The government has said maybe people should worship idols made of metals, marbles or other elements instead of installing conventional idols this year.
If the installed idols are made of clay or are environmentally friendly, they should be submerged in their homes, the statement said. The idols should be submerged in a nearby artificial pond if it is not possible to submerge them in homes, the statement said.
If possible, the sending of idols should be postponed until the time of the idol dips set up during Maghi Ganeshotsav or during the month of Bhadrapad 2021, that is to say next year.
This will help avoid overcrowding while bringing / submerging idols and protect themselves and their family from COVID-19 infection, the statement added.
Health-related advertisements should be displayed during the 10 days of the festival to help people protect themselves and avoid infection, the government said.
He urged mandates to undertake health initiatives instead of organizing cultural programs.
The government said mandals should try to organize online darshan of the idols of Lord Ganesh. It said mandaps be disinfected, thermal screening should be organized and standards for physical distance should be strictly observed by devotees who come to mandaps search darshan of the elephant-headed God.
Likewise, the government issued a circular on Wednesday saying Muslims should observe Muharram in a straightforward manner and avoid crowds. He also said that maatam The (mourning) processions should not be suppressed with the COVID-19 epidemic in mind.
(Except for the title, this story was not edited by GalacticGaming staff and is posted from a syndicated feed.)
