Ganesh Chaturthi 2021: TN CM Stalin Gives Explanation For Banning Public Celebrations

The ban is only for celebrations in public places, he said adding, but people can celebrate the festival by following the COVID-19 protocol at their respective homes. 

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin provided an explanation in the State Assembly on why the state government banned grand celebrations for Ganesh Chathurti. The Chief Minister gave the explanation while responding to BJP MLA Nainar Nagendran who sought permission to celebrate Ganesh Chathurti. 

Responding in the Assembly, MK Stalin said, "I want to give an explanation not just to the MLA but to all the people of Tamil Nadu. The union government's Home Affairs Ministry has given a direction to the state government to avoid permitting people to congregate till September 30 to curb the spread of COVID-19. Even the SC has emphasized the same."

"As Kerala permitted people to congregate for Onam and Bakrid celebrations, the COVID-19 cases are high. In Tamil Nadu, we haven't completely curbed the spread of COVID-19 so there are still some active cases. Hence, taking the scenario into consideration, Tamil Nadu has imposed restrictions till September 15 in religious places for the safety of the public. The same rule will apply to Vinayaka CHathurthi as well," he said. 

The ban is only for celebrations in public places, he said adding, but people can celebrate the festival by following the COVID-19 protocol at their respective homes. 

Using this opportunity, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister announced an additional Rs 5,000 compensation for potters making Vinayaka idols and are affected due to the pandemic. In Tamil Nadu, around 3,000 workers make Vinayaka idols every year but due to the pandemic they are facing huge losses. Hence, as a compensation, Tamil Nadu government along with Rs 5,000 monsoon compensation will provide another Rs 5,000--a total of Rs 10,000--for the 3,000 potters, said MK Stalin.