Mumbai: With the threat of the third wave of towering, the state government on Wednesday prohibits Darshan physically by worshipers in Ganpati Mandaps throughout the state.
Darshan for festivals starting Friday must be online or telecast through electronic media, state guidelines.
On Tuesday, BMC has issued the same order.
Last week, the state had issued a series of guidelines, including a prohibition of procession to mark the arrival and soaking of Ganesh Idol and made public appeal to celebrate at home.
It also limits idols in four feet in the ganpati mandaps community and two feet at home.
The state has urged worshipers to choose idols made of clay so they can sink at the house itself.
Previously, the Union Health Secretary had written to the state government, asked him to consider the imposition of local restrictions during the celebration season.
In addition to this restriction, the RPCR negative test report has been made a must for those traveling to Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts, except for those who are fully vaccinated and those under the age of 18.
This district has limited health facilities and high levels of peposititivity.
Opinions are divided between the committee about sidewalks.
“The ban was declared only two days before the festival.
The government has allowed trains and political procession.
They should at least allow local residents to come to Darshan,” said Puriab Swapnil from Mumbaicha Raja Mandal.
Other organizers said they expected the ban because similar restrictions were applied last year during a pandemic.
“We did not plan Darshan physically in any case.
We have a bond with Geo TV and one website to free Darshan and Aarti,” said R Bhat from GSB Seva Mandal, Kings Circle.
“Last year, we had a 1.3 crore view during the festival,” he said.