Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Aug 15: Festival of Lord Ganesha, popularly known as Chauti in the coastal region is celebrated with pomp and gaiety every year. However, this year the government has given guidelines to celebrate the festival in a simple manner and avoid public installation of idols. In the wake of this order of government, deputy commissioner G Jagadeesha said that stern action will be taken against those who publicly install idols and celebrate Ganesh festival.

DC Jagadeesha said, "Ganesh festival can be celebrated only at temples or inside the houses and there is no opportunity to install idols at public places. The idols cannot be immersed in river, lake, ponds, or water bodies. Those who install the idols at home have to immerse it in the nearby wells or ponds."

Udupi DC Jagadeesha

The DC also warned that if anyone violates the above rules they will be dealt with strictly.

State government directive causes chaos among Ganeshotsava organizers

The new guidelines with respect to Ganeshotsava festival taken out by the state government on Friday, has caused confusion among the organizers.

The organizations had decided to celebrate the Ganesh festival in a simple manner as the government had given instructions in this regard. However, now, when the festival is just a week away, the new guidelines have created doubts in the minds of the organizers.

The government has placed a stay on the Sarvajanika Ganeshotsava. Shashikant Nagvekar, president of central maidan Hindu Yuvasene Ganeshotsava Samiti said, "We have taken permission from Mangaluru City Corporation for one day celebration of Ganeshotsava at Nehru Maidan. If they do not give permission, we will do the same at Balambhat hall. However, we will follow what the state government says."

As per the guidelines of the government Ganesh festival can be celebrated in a simple manner in houses or temples. There is no permission to install idols of Ganesha on roads, lanes or grounds. Also the immersion of the idol is not allowed in river, pond, lake, well or water bodies. The idols that are kept at home should be immersed at home only.

Most of the Ganeshotsava committees have opposed the decision of the government and are pressurizing the government to allow immersion of idols which are already made.