On Thursday, the police also suggested that the organizers arrange digital darshan for the devotees.
In view of Covid-19 pandemic, Mumbai Police on Thursday issued an order putting a ban on darshan of Ganapati idols in pandals on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, news agency ANI reported.
The Mumbai Police have decided to impose Sec 144 of the CrPC in Mumbai from September 10-19. No Ganpati processions will be allowed and not more than 5 people will not be allowed to gather at a place.
The order will be applicable under the jurisdiction area of the Mumbai Police Commissionerate.
On Thursday, the police also suggested that the organizers arrange digital darshan for the devotees.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has also issued its guidelines suggesting that only 10 people, preferably fully vaccinated, should accompany the idol for immersion.
"All devotees should wear masks and observe social distancing. Also, the 10 participants should have taken both the doses of COVID-19 vaccine and completed 15 days after taking the second dose," the BMC guidelines said.
Also read: Delhi announces ban on public celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi in view of COVID-19
"Considering the potential danger of a third COVID-19 wave, devotees are strictly forbidden from taking darshan. It has been decided that Ganeshotsav mandals should provide darshan facility to devotees through cable network, website, Facebook or (other) social media," the order further stated.
"The third wave is not coming. It is already here," Mumbai mayor Kishori Pednekar told reporters earlier this week.
Pednekar said, "Being the Mumbai Mayor, I am going to follow 'Mera Ghar, Mera Bappa'. I will not go anywhere nor will I bring anyone near my lord. This is important to curb the third wave in the state."
Meanwhile, Mumbai reported 530 new coronavirus positive cases in the last 25 hours, the highest since mid-July this year, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials said. With this the city's cumulative total stands at 7,47,608, and the active tally at 3,895.
NOTE: Asianet News humbly requests everyone to wear masks, sanitize, maintain social distancing and get vaccinated as soon as eligible. Together we can and will break the chain #ANCares #IndiaFightsCorona