Chennai: Greater Chennai Police have released a set of instructions that people should follow during the Vinayaka Chathurthi celebrations on 10 September and said that strict action will be taken against those who violate these norms.
A press release issued in this regard said that permission has not be given to place Vinayaka statues in public places due to Covid-19.
“Similarly, permission will not be granted to carry out procession to immerse the statues in water. People are requested to celebrate the festival at their homes. They can take the statue individually and can immerse it in nearby waterbodies,” the release added.
The release further said that people can also leave the statues in nearby temples from where they will be taken for immersion by Hindu Religious Endowment and Charitable Trust officials by following proper protocols.
It further said that as far as Chennai is concerned permission will not be granted to immerse statues in the stretch between Santhome and Napier bridge.
“People are requested to follow social distancing and wear maks while going to markets to buy pooja materials. Police personnel will carry out tight vigil during the festival time to ensure maximum safety of the public,” the release added.
On 8 September, Chief Minister M K Stalin clarified that restrictions are implemented on Vinayaga Chathurthi celebrations at public places just to ensure that there is no coronavirus outbreak just like how it happened during Onam and Bakrid in Kerala.
Stalin said people were allowed to celebrate the festival individually at their homes. “Individuals will be permitted to worship by placing Vinayaka idols in their homes and they will also be permitted to immerse the idols individually in water bodies,” the Chief Minister said.
Stalin also said apart from the already announced Rs 5,000, an additional relief of Rs 5,000 per head will be provided to 3,000 artisans who are involved in the making of Lord Ganesha idols.