On September 5, the Karnataka government informed that no more than 20 people will be allowed for celebrations and immersion of the Ganesha idol.
Ganesh Chaturthi is just around the corner and several states have already issued SOPs regarding the celebrations this year, keeping in mind the looming fear of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For the unversed, Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturti is a Hindu festival celebrating the arrival of Ganesh to earth from Kailash Parvat with his mother Goddess Parvati/Gauri. It will be celebrated on September 10 this year.
So, before you get set to welcome Lord Ganesha, check out the new guidelines issued by Maharashtra and Karnataka governments.
SOPs issued by the Maharashtra government ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi
Amid the fear of the third wave of COVID-19, the Maharashtra government has issued an order that the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations will not be allowed in public places. As per the directive, people were advised to celebrate the festival at home. Ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, the state government order stated that the celebrations may not be allowed in public places.
"It is prohibited to visit the idol of Lord Ganesha or visit the mandap and the darshan should be made available online or through electronic means," said a statement released by the Maharashtra Home ministry. According to the Maharashtra health department, the state reported 3,626 new cases on Monday and 37 fatalities due to COVID-19.
SOPs issued by the Karnataka government ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi
Karnataka government, on Wednesday, banned animal slaughter and sale of meat ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. As per the official order by the Joint Commissioner of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike, "BBMP bans slaughter of animal and meat sale on September 10, 2021, on Ganesha Chaturthi."
Earlier, on September 5, the Karnataka government informed that no more than 20 people will be allowed for celebrations and immersion of the Ganesha idol.
The order copy further informed, "No processions will be allowed. Only eco-friendly Ganesha idols will be allowed. Distribution of food and prasad will not be allowed during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. No function to take place in districts with more than 2 percent positivity rate in view of the pandemic."
Meanwhile, Karnataka logged 1,102 fresh cases of COVID-19 and 17 fatalities today, as per the state health minister Dr. K Sudhakar.
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 "Ganesh Chaturthi: Maharashtra, Karnataka government issue fresh guidelines ahead of festival")
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