Chennai: Days after banning installation of idols on streets and roads in view of Covid-19 pandemic, Tamilnadu government today asked people to celebrate Vinayagar Chaturthi from their residences.
A circular on this regard was issued this morning. It requested the people to cooperate with the government in the fight against coronavirus.
It may be noted that while hearing two PILs filed to take legal action against Hindu Munnani office bearers for violating lockdown norms to celebrate Vinayagar Chathurthi, the division bench of Madras High Court headed by Justice MM Sundaresh said that the State government would handle the law and order.
It said that the Tamilnadu government can take necessary steps to ensure that the guidelines are followed.
The PILs sought a direction to restrain the Hindu Munnani, which had promised to install 1.5 lakh Vinayagar idols, as a mark of protest against the State government’s decision to impose restrictions on Vinayagar Chaturthi, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Earlier this week, the Tamilnadu government said that Vinayagar Chathurthi celebrations will not be allowed on streets and roads this year due to the Covid-19 induced lockdown.
An order in this regard was issued at a time when Hindu Munnani chief Kaadeswar Subramaniam said that one lakh Vinayagar idols will be placed across the State for the festival.
The government order said that since the lockdown is in effect permission will not be granted to place idols of Vinayagar, hold functions, take the idols in a procession or immerse them in waterbodies.
“People are requested to celebrate the festival in their house. People should wear mask and follow social distancing while going to buy things needed to celebrate the festival,” the order said.
It also said that since permission has been already granted to open small temples, devotees and management should ensure that lockdown norms are followed during the festival.
On 8 August, the Tamilnadu government granted permission to allow devotees inside small places of worship within Corporation limits.