Maharashtra issues SOP for Ganesh Pandals; restricts idol to 4 feet, bans big processions

Releasing guidelines for Ganesh Utsav pandals in Maharashtra, state government on Saturday, issued relevant directions. as Coronavirus cases in state soar.  guidelines restrict Ganesh idol height to 4 feet and 2 feet for community pandals and home idols respectively. Moreover, government has prohibited more than 10 people inside any pandal at a time, banning all processions. This year's Ganesh Utsav festivities start on August 22, 2020, and will last 11 days, concluding with immersion of Lord Ganesha's idols.

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Here are guidelines for pandals:

• Ganpati idol in community pandals must be limited to 4 feet, while ganpati idols at home must be limited to 2 feet 
• Only 10 people must be allowed inside pandals, while maintaining all health guidelines issued by Health dept
• One must immerse idols at home if possible or nearest community immersion pool. Moreover, if possible one can postpone immersion ceremony of community idols to 2021's Ganesh Utsav
• Pandals can organise awareness campaign on Dengue, malaria, COVID-19 or organise blood donation drive inste
• Must organise online viewing of Ganesh pandals as much as possible on websites, Facebook live, etc.
• Must ensure no crowding in pandals during Aarati, Bhajan etc.
• Absolutely no procession while welcoming or immersion of idols and one must wait least possible time at immersion areas.
• All pandals must help local municipalities, police, government authorities, health officials, by following all health guidelines. re will be furr guidelines issued, which must be followed. 

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Lalbaugcha Raja Ganesh Mandal cancels celebration

On July 1, Lalbaugcha Raja Ganesh Mandal, which installs Mumbai's most famous Ganpati idol, announced cancellation of Ganesh Chaturthi celebration this year in view of COVID-19 pandemic. tion of Ganesh Chaturthi celebration this year in view of COVID-19 pandemic. Mandal will not install Ganesh idol this year but will organise blood and plasma donation camps and provide financial assistance to families of policemen who died of COVID-19. This decision was hailed by CM Thackeray, but opposed by senior BJP leer Ashish Shelar urging m to not break 87-year-old trition of hosting Lord Ganesha since 1934.

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Maharashtra extends lockdown

CM Thackeray has extended COVID-19 lockdown in state limited to containment zones till July 31. Moreover, Maharashtra's capital - Mumbai has been put under section 144 till July 15 - with movements restricted to neighbourhoods near one's residence. Travel beyond that limit is allowed only for office commute, medical emergencies and essential services. Areas joining Mumbai -   municipal corporations of Thane, Navi Mumbai, Kalyan-Dombivli, Mira-Bhayandar, Ulhansnagar, Panvel and Bhiwandi are also under lockdown till July 19, due to sudden rise in cases. Moreover, Pune Pimpri-Chinchw and 22 villages in rural Pune too have been put under complete lockdown from July 13 to 23.

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