Mumbai: In view of the ongoing Covid-19 infection and the fear of a third wave of the pandemic, the Maharashtra government on Tuesday issued guidelines for celebrating Ganesh Utsav.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Udhav Thackeray-led government has appealed to the people to celebrate Ganesh Utsav, the biggest festival of the state, in a simple way.
As per the guidelines issued, the state government has capped the maximum idol height of Ganpati at 4 feet for the public Ganesh Mandals.
Besides, the maximum idol height of Ganpati will be 2 feet for the idols at home.
The state government has also insisted on simple and quiet celebrations in tune with all Covid protocol.
Besides, the government has laid thrust on giving importance to health camps or blood donation drives instead of cultural or entertainment programmes during the upcoming 10-day festival beginning September 10.
The government has also not given its nod for processions for the start of the festival or immersion on the final day.
The public mandals have been issued directions to ensure there is no overcrowding during the ‘daily aartis’ and worship.
The public mandals have been advised to switch over to ‘online darshan’ or relay the celebrations through social media platforms, websites or local cable television networks.
This is the second consecutive year when the state government has imposed restrictions in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.
READ DETAILED GUIDELINES IN MARATHI BELOW: