The Belagavi District Administration on Friday, issued a set of directives banning installation of Ganesh idols in public places, public processions and immersions, during the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
For the second consecutive year, the Karnataka government has decided to ban gigantic idols of Lord Ganesha and mega public celebrations.
The District Administration has advised people to limit their celebrations to temples and their houses in the backdrop of the growing number of Covid-19 cases.
As per notification published by District Administration, Ganesh idols should not be installed in streets, playgrounds and any other public places. Idols must not be immersed in public water bodies like rivers, lakes and open wells. There will be a total ban on any kind of procession while installing Ganesh idol.
Temple managements/Mandals have been advised to take precautionary measures like use of sanitisers, maintain social distancing norms, compulsory wearing of masks and thermal screening, to contain the spread of infection. And only 5 devotees are allowed during Arathi/Mangalaarathi.
The height of the Ganesha idol installed in the house should not exceed 2 feet (with pedestal) and the height of the Ganesha statues installed in the temples should not exceed 4 feet (with pedestal) and the soil statues should be installed without the mandatory POP.
Similarly, all necessary arrangements have to be made by individuals in their own premises for the Visarjan of Ganesha Murthy, which will be installed at their homes. Else idols can be immersed in the mobile tanks prepared by the Belagavi City corporation and Karnataka Pollution Control Board.
The public should be made to access Shri Ganeshotsav Darshan facility online through the cable network, website, Facebook and other social networking sites.
During Ganeshotsav, the temple boards and Sarvajanik Ganeshotsava boards shall provide daily sanitation and thermal screening, and provide all necessary measures to maintain at least 6 feet of social distance for the devotees who visit the temple.