Considering the contagious situation caused by Covid-19, it has been decided to celebrate this year’s Ganeshotsav in a simple manner.
Accordingly, the Home Department of the State Government has issued guidelines on 29 June 2021.
For public Ganeshotsav, Ganeshotsav Mandals will need to get reasonable prior permission from the Municipal Local Administration as per their policy.
Considering the contagious situation caused by Covid-19, limited pavilions should be set up in line with the policy of the Municipal Corporation as well as the concerned local administration regarding pavilions. As this year’s Ganeshotsav is expected to be celebrated in a simple manner, there should be no extravagance while decorating the home and public Ganesha.
The idol of Lord Ganesha should be 4 feet for public circles and 2 feet for domestic Ganapati. This year, instead of the traditional Ganesha idol, the idol should be worshipped on metal/marble in the house. If the idol is shady / environmentally friendly, it should be immersed at home, if it is not possible at home, it should be immersed at a nearby artificial immersion site.
Donations for the festival should be accepted voluntarily. It should be noted that the display of advertisements will not attract the crowd. Preference should also be given to display advertisements with health and social messages. Priority should be given to organizing health activities/camps (e.g. blood donation) instead of cultural programs and thereby raising awareness about diseases like corona, malaria, dengue etc. and their preventive measures as well as hygiene.
Other restrictions will remain in place as per the circular issued from time to time regarding the Level of Restrictions for Breaking the Chain. There will be no slackness in it on the occasion of Ganeshotsav. Care should be taken not to crowd when organizing Aarti, Bhajan, Kirtan or other religious programs. Strictly follow the rules and regulations regarding noise pollution.
Arrangements should be made to make the darshan facility of Shriganesha available online, through cable networks, websites and Facebook etc.
According to the corrigendum dated September 8, 2021, it is prohibited to take darshan of Ganesha idols in person or in the actual mandapa and darshan should be made available only through online or electronic means.
Shri’s arrival and immersion processions should not be taken out. In the traditional method of immersion, the aarti performed at the place of immersion should be done at home and the time of immersion should be stopped at least. Children and senior citizens should avoid going to the immersion site for safety reasons. The immersion procession of all the household Ganesha idols in the entire chali / building should not be taken out together.
With the help of various municipal corporations, housing societies, people’s representatives, NGOs, etc., artificial ponds should be constructed for the immersion of Ganesha idols.
It will be mandatory to comply with the rules laid down by the Government Aid and Rehabilitation, Health, Environmental Medical Education Department as well as the concerned Municipal Corporation, Police Local Administration to prevent the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus. Also, if any more instructions are published after this circular and in the period between the commencement of the actual festival, they should also be complied with.
This Government Circular has also been made available on the Government of Maharashtra’s website www.maharashtra.gov.in.
