Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Aug 17: The deputy commissioner of Dakshina Kannada district, Dr Rajendra K V, through guidelines issued on Sunday August 16, barred public celebrations of Ganeshotsava. Vinayaka Chaturthi, which happens to be the celebration of Elephant-headed God, Lord Ganesha's birth anniversary, falls this time on August 22.

It has been made clear that the festival should be celebrated in a simple manner with devotion inside houses or temples and not in public places. The idols cannot be immersed in public rivers ponds, pools, wells or temple ponds. Taking out immersion processions has been banned.

Ganesha idols of different shapes and sizes are under preparation at Car Street and Mannagudda here. The artistes are busy giving final shapes to the idols. It is learnt that many people who had booked the idols in advance in expectation that corona restrictions would be removed, are now in two minds as they cannot celebrate the festival in a big way, as the festival is normally associated with cultural programmes, competitions, plays, musical extravaganza etc.

There is information that some spiritual heads have advised people to postpone the festival and celebrate it on a grand scale during the month of February next. It is hoped that restrictions will cease to exist by then.