Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Aug 16: Ganesh Chaturthi will be a low-key affair this time around given the prevailing pandemic situation across the country. The festival is marked with the installation of the Lord Ganesha idols, which can also touch several feet in height, at homes or publicly in pandals. Towards the end of the week-long festival, several people gather together for the immersion of the idols in rivers, lakes, wells etc.

However, this year the celebration of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival will be turned down several notches and would be rejoiced in the comfort of one's home. Keeping in mind the safety of people, the government has issued specific instructions to be followed compulsorily so as to prevent further infections. 

Guidelines to be followed:

1. Ganesh Chaturthi to be celebrated in a modest way, either at the temple or at the house.

2. Celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi restricted in public spaces. Installation of Lord Ganesha idols at roads, lanes and grounds are restricted.

3. Immersion of Ganesh idols in wells, rivers, ponds and lakes is restricted.

4. No procession to be conducted during immersion and bringing of the Ganesha idol.

5. Idols installed at an individual's residence are to be immersed within the residence surroundings.

6. Temples celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi are required to undertake daily sanitisation.

7. Devotees entering the temple are to be subjected to thermal scanning. They are to be provided sanitizers by the temple, follow social distancing and wear masks inside the temple premises. This should be overseen by the temple authorities or organisers.

To curb the spread of COVID-19, the guidelines issued by the central, state and district administration need to be strictly followed. Anyone who said to have defied the law would face severe action, the authorities warned.