PANAJI
Amid an increase in Covid cases, the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) has issued guidelines for the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
Announcing these guidelines at a news conference on Monday, CCP Mayor Rohit Monserrate said Chitrashallas (idol centres) shall ensure social distancing outside the vending point and only two people with one vehicle would be allowed to pick up idols from the Chitrashalla.
“The CCP has banned the sale and purchase of Plaster of Paris idols, while the sale of firecrackers will not be allowed anywhere in the city, except at the permitted stalls,” said Monserrate.
CCP has also appealed to Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandals to adhere to state guidelines to keep public gatherings and celebrations limited to 50 percent capacity by not exceeding 100 people at a time.
Sarvajanik celebrations are to be banned in those areas declared as a containment zone, while the use of firecrackers is also banned by Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandals.
Immersion of idols will be allowed at designated areas near Swimsea (Caranzalem), Miramar-Caranzalem Beach near Martins, Miramar Beach, Ferry wharf, Captain of Ports Jetty, Manaswada (Ribandar), Fondvem (Sao Pedro) Four Pillars (Mala) and Near old PWD office (Patto).
The CCP will allow only 2-3 members of each house to participate in the immersion of the idols. Flowers i.e Nirmalya will be deposited in containers placed at each immersion site and shall not be disposed of in the water bodies. Besides, no fireworks shall be permitted at the immersion site.
The CCP mayor appealed to people to park vehicles away from the immersion spot to avoid congestion.
People have been advised to follow staggered times for immersion from 5 pm to 10 pm. Processions to bring in the idols to the immersion points will not be allowed, while gatherings after the immersion will not be allowed as well.
