Karnataka govt bans Ganesha pandal and Muharram procession in view of COVID-19

With over 1,500 daily Covid cases across state and Bengaluru city and Karnataka-Kerala border district Dakshina Kannada reporting over daily 300 cases, the state government has banned Ganesha pandal and Muharram procession.

With the fear of Covid third wave looming large and Karnataka witnessing over 1,500 daily Covid cases and an increase in the number of cases among children, the Karnataka government has ordered ban on Muharram procession which was scheduled on August 20 and also banned 10-day Ganesha pandal and procession.

As per order, till August 20, no religious gathering and processions should be held and on the tenth day of Muharram that falls on August 20, only prayers are allowed only in Masjids.

The visit to the graveyard by the community for customary prayers on that day is also banned. The community has been asked to ensure no children below 10 years and aged persons are allowed in Masjids during Muharram.

Similarly, there is a ban on pandals and procession on the annual Ganesha festival celebration from September 10. The ten-day celebration will have to be celebrated in a simple way.

As per the orders, Ganesha idols must be kept at home for celebration or devotees can visit the nearby temples that may have made arrangements. And thermal screening, mask and sanitation is a must at temples during this time.

The immersion should be done at a designated place marked by the civic body and people should gather in less numbers and no music is allowed and bhajan is allowed.

The measures were announced following the advice from the expert committee as religious festivals are lined up from August to October.

Muharram, Krisna Janmasthmi, Ganesha festival, Durga Pooja and others will be celebrated between August and September and there is a possibility of people gathering and flouting Covid norms.

Meanwhile, Karnataka reported 1,857 new cases and 30 deaths. Out of 1,857 cases, Dakshina Kannada topped with 475 cases and 5 deaths. Bengaluru which witnessed a massive jump in April-May, reported 321 cases and 5 deaths on Thursday.