Maharashtra Government has announced that there will be no COVID-induced restrictions for the upcoming Dahi Handi, Ganesh Utsav, Muharram, and other festivals. This decision came after Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis held a review meeting to understand the concerns of Ganesh Mandals and officials related to ensuring law and order.
Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Mr. Shinde said there will be no restriction on taking out processions during Ganesh Utsav or Muharram. For Dahi Handi festival too, there will be no restrictions barring the court orders regarding the age of Govindas and sound pollution that the organizers will have to follow.
Mr. Shinde also informed that there will be no bar on the height of Ganesh idols to be installed at homes or mandals. While urging citizens to go for environment-friendly idols, the Chief Minister said the permission process for Ganesh Mandals will be simplified and made online; adding that there will be no registration fees this year.
It is noteworthy that the Dahi Handi, where groups form multiple tiers to reach a pot of goodies left hanging at a height, and the ten-day Ganesh Utsav is celebrated with much revelry and devotion. However, for the last two years, the festivities were either banned or restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
WhatsApp us