Mangaluru: Guidelines were issued Sunday to regulate the devotion during this year’s Ganehshotsava to avoid the spread of  the COVID19 virus. The deputy commissioner of Dakshina Kannada district, Dr Rajendra K V, issued the guidelines on Sunday August 16. Vinayaka Chaturthi, which happens to be the celebration of Elephant-headed God, Lord Ganesha’s birth anniversary, falls this time on August 22.

he Guidelines bar public celebrations of Ganeshotsava. It has been made clear that the festival should be celebrated in a simple manner with devotion as far as possible within the four walls of homes and not in public places. The idols cannot be immersed in public rivers ponds, pools, wells or temple ponds. Taking out immersion processions has been banned.

Meanwhile Ganesha idols of different shapes and sizes are under preparation at Car Street and Mannagudda, the traditional areas of expertise in this field.

It is is complex situation as Ganehshotsava by its very nature is a public celebration. Many hoped that by the time Ganeshotsava came around, the Corona Pandemic effects would have disappeared and the celebrations would be in full swing. Many had ordered idols in anticipation too. But things have not gone as planned and they have to now revise their plans.

Media reports say that spiritual heads have advised people to postpone the festival and celebrate it on a grand scale during the month of February next. It is hoped that restrictions will cease to exist by then.

One has to stay positive and hope for the best.