Ganesha amid COVID scare: Pandal organizers want BBMP to vaccinate people at markets

Abhilash Reddy Shakthiganapati Yuvakara Sangha, a pandal organizing committee in Bengaluru's Indiranagar 2nd stage area has not only backed government's rules of holding a vaccinating drive at pandals areas but also has appealed to the local health authorities to set up a similar table at market places.

Fearing the worsening situation like Kerala after Onam where the restrictions were relaxed, Reddy opined that the same should not be allowed to happen in Karnataka and appealed for a simple way of celebration. He said all the guidelines which the government has issues will have to be followed for our own good.

The BBMP has gone a step further after the government ordered only a 5-day Ganesha festival, a 3-day celebration has been permitted in city limits.

As only one Ganesha pandal per ward order has been announced, many organizers have sent applications to respective Police Joint Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners of different zones to consider their application. Based on the seniority and also the preparation plan, permission will be given.

The BBMP will also deploy mobile immersion tankers at different locations for the public to come and immerse Ganesha idols kept at their homes.

The government the other day imposed a night curfew and also banned all cultural events and procession. Only organizers not more than 20 can take the idol for immersion from pandals.

The BBMP has issued orders for only 50*50 pandals this time and not more than 20 members can gather during the puja.