Ganesh Chaturthi 2021: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Delhi Issue Fresh Guidelines | Check State-Wise SOPs

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturti, celebrates the arrival of Ganesh to earth from Kailash Parvat with his mother Goddess Parvati.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2021. (File Photo/ Getty)

New Delhi: Amid the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak in the country and looming fear regarding the third wave of the virus, several states, including Maharashtra, have issued guidelines for the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations this year.

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturti, celebrates the arrival of Ganesh to earth from Kailash Parvat with his mother Goddess Parvati.

The festival will be celebrated across the country on Friday. Check guidelines issued by various states:

Maharashtra:

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray-led government has issued an order that the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations would 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,” a statement released by the Maharashtra Home Ministry said.

People across the state have been advised to celebrate the festival at home.

The administration particularly in fiscal capital Mumbai has barred the assembly of five or more people in the city ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. The processions and visits to Ganpati pandals have been barred with the organisers requested to try and ensure live coverage of the ‘aarti’ through social media platforms.

Karnataka:

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai’s government had earlier on Wednesday banned animal slaughter and sale of meat ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.

“BBMP bans slaughter of animal and meat sale on September 10, 2021, on Ganesha Chaturthi,” said the order issued by the Joint Commissioner of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike.

The state government had earlier on September 5 informed that not more than 20 people will be allowed for celebrations and immersion of the Ganesha idol.

“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,” the order copy said.

Tamil Nadu:

The Tamil Nadu government has extended the lockdown restrictions till 6 a.m. on September 15 and celebration of religious festivals, including Ganesh Chaturthi, is prohibited in public places during the same period.

The people have been advised to limit the celebrations to their homes. The devotees are allowed to leave their idols near temples. Besides, the permission for immersion of the idols will be given to individuals but a procession is not permitted.

Delhi:

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has also, as a precautionary measure, banned public celebrations of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.

Advising the people to celebrate the festival at home, the Delhi government has prohibited the installation of Lord Ganesha’s idol in tents, pandals or public places.

The AAP government has also not given its nod to procession or gathering in connection with the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.

Andhra Pradesh:

The Andhra Pradesh government too has banned the public celebrations on Ganesh Chaturthi.

The people have been asked to stay away from going for idol immersions in processions.

The night curfew will continue from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. across the state as a precautionary measure.

Goa:

Restricting the gatherings to 50 percent capacity on Ganesh Chaturthi, the Goa government has banned firecrackers and processions during the festival. 

The priests have, however, been permitted to visit the houses of the people to organise puja.