The Maharashtra government on Tuesday issued guidelines regarding the 11-day Ganeshotsav festival starting from September 10.
The idol makers in the state had also demanded that the Mahavikas state government should immediately announce a policy on Ganeshotsav. Because the idol makers are worried as only two months left for Ganeshotsav. The sculptors have not started work on the Ganesha idols as they have not received any guidance from the state government. Sculptors and the public Ganeshotsav Mandal are demanding that the state government should not impose limits on the height of Ganesha idols during this year's Ganeshotsav.
However, the guidelines issued by the state government are said to dampen the enthusiasm of Ganeshotsav Mandal and sculptors.
State Government Guidelines
- Ganeshotsav should be celebrated in a simple manner due to covid-19 pandemic.
- For public Ganeshotsav, Ganeshotsav Mandals will need to get proper permission from the local administration
- The height of all Ganesh idols in public celebrations across the state shall be restricted to four feet, those in homes will be limited to only two feet this year in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.
- The public organisers have been urged to make all arrangements possible to provide online Ganesh darshan.
- Shadow clay idols should be kept if possible. And immersion should be done at home.
- If immersion is not possible at home, it should be done in an artificial pond.
- Mandals should accept whatever donations they receive from the citizens
- Avoid crowds during Aarti, Bhajan, Kirtan.
- Awareness should be created by conducting health related activities and camps instead of cultural programs.
- Adequate arrangements should be made for disinfection and thermal screening in Ganpati Mandap.
- Restrictions imposed under Break the Chain will remain in place. It cannot be relaxed on the occasion of Ganeshotsav.
- All processions have already been banned, either for welcoming the elephant-headed God or for his immersion ceremonies.
- Wait for a minimum time at the immersion site.
- Children and senior citizens should avoid going to the immersion site for safety.