Karnataka government allows public gatherings till September 5
The demand for eco-friendly Ganesh idols has increased in Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka as well. This is due to the ban on public gatherings and awareness of environmental issues.
People were unsure about the Karnataka government allowing public gatherings of Ganesh Chaturthi festival due to restrictions in the state to contain the spread of COVID-19. Following persistent demand for public gatherings, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai chaired a meeting on 5 September with his cabinet colleagues and experts to discuss the issue.
After the meeting, the Karnataka government announced the easing of restrictions on public gatherings of Ganesh Chaturthi festival and allowing one idol to be installed in each ward in municipal corporation limits, including Bengaluru, but limiting the number of visitors to 20 at any one time. done.
The government has imposed more than a dozen restrictions on public gatherings of the festival. Public gatherings were only allowed for five days. The government in its revised guidelines has clearly stated that the height of idols placed in public places should not exceed 4 feet and for those living in homes, the limit is 2 feet. The organizers have to take permission from the local municipal authorities to place the idols in public places. Organizers or committee members must submit a COVID-19 negative report and vaccination certificate.
There has been a flood of orders among idol makers since the announcement of the guidelines on September 5. Till the meeting, they were tensed over the fear of curbs on festivities and poor demand for idols. But now, they are unable to meet the demand of the idols. They are working round the clock to come up with the idols.
Last year, idol makers had to face difficulties after public gatherings were banned. They feared it would happen again this year and were looking at a bleak future as the festive season is when they earn the largest share of their annual income.
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