BENGALURU, INDIA, September 6, 2021 (hindustantime.com): The Karnataka government on Sunday decided to allow Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in districts where the positivity rate is less than two 2 percent, with a set of restrictions which will remain in place for five days.
Ashok said that the government has approved to allow one Ganesh festival per ward in urban areas and that district authorities would decide on similar requests in rural regions. However, the minister was not clear on how the government or authorities will decide who will be allowed to keep the Deity in public spaces.
In Karnataka, like other states, Ganesh Chathurthi is celebrated with much pomp and fervor with public processions, dance, cultural programs which attracts large crowds of worshippers. The festival also sees competition by local groups, backed by political leaders, to celebrate the day as a spectacle of sorts with new designs of the Deity that is placed in pandals by collecting money from the public and small establishments in these localities.
The minister also said that in border districts where the positivity rate is higher than two percent, the festival cannot be celebrated in public. The minister said that all committee members in charge of public installation of these Deities will have to be vaccinated. The government has also decided to set up vaccination centers at such places where the idol will be kept and doses will be administered.
In apartment complexes, no more than 20 persons will be allowed and several such residential spaces have come up with innovative ways like online darshan to avoid people gathering in small spaces, Ashok said.
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/karnataka-allows-ganesh-festival-with-covid-curbs-101630866759201.html