Nagpur: With three months still having to go for the Ganesh Festival, the Maharashtra government has provided limits at idol heights for the second year in a row.
In the notification issued on Tuesday, the home department has asked all local civil bodies to ensure idol heights in Sarvajanik Ganesh Mandal are limited to 4ft and 2ft for households.
Nagpur Municipal Corporation can replicate orders and issue similar rules for the city.
However, mandal and sculptor Ganesh said the height restrictions had nothing to do with the spread of the Coronavirus.
The former MLC Prakash Gajbhiye and the founder of the Ganesh Mandal ECTA, which was credited with installing the highest idol, said the government must reconsider the restrictions on Sarvajanic Mandal.
According to him, the Covid-19 case has declined and while the government recommends Virtual Darshan, it must allow at least a 10-foot idol in the Sarvajanic Pandal.
Echoing Gajbhiye, the city sculptor from Chitar Oli Narendra Chauriya also demanded to keep the idol height of at least 10 feet.
He, however, acknowledged that this year the state government notices came early unlike previous years.
“This will help keep us ready for the festival in September,” he said.
He quickly showed about his family’s traditional business to make idols Ganesh from mud and limitation height would have a negative impact on his business.
“Only large idols that are mostly made of mud and new rules will benefit pop idol makers,” he said.
Deputy Secretary (home department) Sanjay Khedekar said in the middle of the case of Covid-19 and the third wave of anticipated, the local body must ensure that Ganeshotsav is celebrated simply.
In accordance with the government’s notification command, local bodies must ensure that all Sarvajanic Mandals must take permission to organize Ganeshotsav.
This year, the State House Department has asked for a local body to promote idols in artificial tanks.
Mandal ads must be avoided to reduce in a hurry.
Instead of cultural events, the government has urged organizers to hold a health program such as blood donor camps and awareness programs for dengue fever, malaria and Coronavirus, among others.
It also urges them (local agencies) to ensure that all organizers and individuals follow the appropriate behavior of Covid.
Has asked them to set Darshan Mandal online through social networking sites, local cable networks etc.
Similarly, directed to ensure no hurry during Aarti, Bhajan, Kirtan, and other religious programs.
For the second year, State Caps Height of Ganesh Idols
