Ganeshotsav 2021: Mandals requests state govt for increasing idol height amid declining covid cases

Maharashtra government had imposed restrictions during Ganeshotsav last year in the wake of the Corona outbreak. There was also a limit on the height of Ganesh idols. But this time, Ganeshotsav Mandals in Mumbai have taken a firm stand that there should be no limit to the height of Ganesha idols. "Let's abide by all the restrictions related to Corona, but let's raise the height idol," said Ganesh Mandals in Mumbai.

Last year, Ganesh idol sculptors had suffered huge financial losses. Therefore, the mandals are hoping that the state government will help this time and there will be no restrictions on the celebration of Ganeshotsav. Ganesh Mandals, Ganeshotsav Coordinating Committee, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and the police are expected to hold a meeting with Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray soon to discuss possible rules for the festival, including the height of the idol.

Ganeshotsav is starting from 10th September this year. Even though there is still two and a half months left for the festival, idols, mandaps and decorations have to be prepared from now on. Therefore, the boards have said that the government and the municipality need to clarify their role as soon as possible. Mandals are also confused as the government has not taken any action yet.

The prevalence of covid in the state is now slowly declining. The positivity rate in various cities has also declined. But still the fear of third wave persists. But the mandals are ready to celebrate Ganeshotsav by following the rules. Ganesh Mandals have demanded that the government should not limit the height of the idol.

What are the suggestions made by Ganesh Mandals?

• There should be no height limit for Ganesh idols. Mandals, loudspeakers should be distributed according to the agreed policy.
• A concrete decision should be taken regarding the confusion created regarding the use of POPs and darshan should be allowed following the safety rules.
• Policy regarding arrival, immersion procession should be decided.
• The beaches should be opened for immersion.
• Vaccination should be allowed in the mandal space. Board workers must have taken both doses of the corona vaccine.