Chennai: With the Tamil Nadu government banning all kinds of congregations irrespective of its nature, Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations are a low key affair in the state on Friday. Muted celebrations are observed in the state for the second consecutive year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to a report in The News Minute, ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi festival, the state government on Thursday issued fresh guidelines stating that all political, cultural and religious congregations will be banned in the state till October 31.
A statement from the state government, as per the report, said, “In the ongoing corona control measures, some relaxations have been announced considering the livelihood and economic well-being of the people. However, restrictions on festivals, political, social and cultural events continue. Events like this can turn into Super Spreader Events,”
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The report further said that the state government has requested the public to celebrate festivals at home by avoiding crowded places and public transport travels.
A report in The Indian Express said that the state government has refused to grant permission to install idols in public places, processions and immersion of the idols in water bodies by outfits and organizations. While individuals are allowed to carry the idols and immerse them in water bodies, immersion processions are not allowed.
According to the report, the Madras High Court further reiterated that the right to life supersedes the right to practice religion. The observation was made while disposing of a petition that challenged Tamil Nadu’s order to ban public celebrations of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.