– Vinayak Barot
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has refused permission for traditional public ceremonies to celebrate the Ganapati festivals beginning on Saturday. The 10-day festival is due to end with Ganapati Visarjan on September 1.
“Ganapati festival cannot be allowed as crowd may become uncontrollable”, the bench headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde ruled on Friday when the Covid-19 tally in the country crossed 29 lakhs, a day after it crossed 28 lakh. The court maintained that Ganesh Chaturthi festivities by their very nature involve large crowds and public gatherings could not be allowed in the present situation.
The Maharashtra government, where the Ganesh Chaturthi is the biggest annual festival, has also said it would not allow any large gatherings and erection of pandals this year. The Supreme Court order apparently forecloses any possibility of judicial review of the state’s mandate.
India reported single-day spike of 68,898 infections, while the recoveries have also increased to 2,158,946 today. The union health ministry, however, expressed the satisfaction that the recovery rate had also gone up to 74 per cent. The Ganesh festivals, like most other religious ceremonies in the country so far, is expected to be celebrated with precautions in the light of the apex court’s order and the Maharashtra government’s decision as the deadly novel coronavirus outbreak has affected the normal functioning of life.
Several concerned state governments have also issued Guidelines for Ganesh Chaturthi Festivities in different states and cities:
Guidelines for Mumbai: – There is a cap on the maximum idol height at 4 feet, while the idols at home cannot be taller than two feet and should be eco-friendly. BMC requested people to use metal or marble idols in order to avoid immersion. No processions are allowed for arrival and immersion of idols. Only 5 people will be allowed to participate in the procession. Everyone is advised to follow safety protocols like mask, shields, hand sanitisers and social distancing norms.
Guidelines for Delhi: – To stop the spread of coronavirus, Delhi Pollution Control Committee has put a ban on large congregations and Police to keep special checks on anti-social elements and rumour mongers. No celebrations or immersions to take place at public places, violation may result in the fine of ₹ 50,000.
Guidelines for Telangana: – Everyone is urged to celebrate the festival at their homes, avoiding public gathering. Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority to procure and distribute 80,000 clay idols. Processions, cultural shows and idol immersion in lakes are strictly banned for safety purposes.
Guidelines for Maharashtra: – The western state’s government made it mandatory for all ‘mandals’ to take prior permission from the concerned municipality or local authority, Maximum idol height capped at 4 feet for Public Ganapati. The maximum height for home installation Ganpati moorti capped at 2 feet. Daily aarti and puja to be not crowded, noisy affair.
