Ganesha festivities to 10 day in Bangalore

Ganesha festivities cannot be celebrated in public beyond 10 days from Ganesha Chaturthi, slated for September 1 this year. A resolution would be passed by the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) council in this regard, mayor R Sharadamma disclosed during a meeting of the civic body.

The mayor’s announcement came after members cutting across party lines demanded that Ganesha festivities be restricted to 10 days as the current practice of the celebrations being conducted for months on end has become a public nuisance.

“The Ganesha festival is being celebrated throughout the year, resulting in pollution of water bodies where the idols are immersed. The mayor must make a decision that the Ganesha immersion will be carried out on a single date in the assigned lakes. The mayor should also speak to the police to facilitate smooth festivities, including procession and immersion,” former opposition party leader M Nagaraj said.

His demand found support from ruling party members too. “The Ganesha festivities should end within 10 days. The festivities are being held for months and become a nuisance,” the BJP corporators said.

Responding to the members’ plea, mayor Sharadamma announced that the council would pass a resolution that Ganesha festivities should conclude within 10 days of the Ganesha Chaturthi. A few corporators also urged the mayor that another resolution be passed mandating that no chemical colour is used in the making of Ganesha idols and only natural colours are used.