Much to the delight of puja organisers, height restrictions relating to the idol have been done away with. Chief minister Bhupendra Patel while withdrawing the restrictions on the height of idols, however has ordered that Pollution Control Board (PCB) guidelines will be maintained. The 10-day festival will be celebrated from August 31 to September 9.
The decision was welcomed by organisers of the Ganesh mandals and idol makers. Shortly after the announcement, sculptors in Vadodara decided to get going with the idol. Ever since the pandemic, pottery artisans and kumars, have been under financial distress.
The city’s TP-13 Sector is home to pottery artisans who migrated from Rajasthan years ago. In fact, over 100 Rajasthani families run the show behind supplying giant-sized idols ahead of the festive season. “We have been hit hard during the pandemic years. Our earnings from the festive season help us tide through the year. We thank CM Patel for his concern and hope we can meet deadlines,” shared craftsman Ashokbhai Rathod.
The festival is widely celebrated in western India with Maharashtra leading the way. Distribution of sweets and bursting fire crackers heighten the gaiety associated with Ganesh Chaturthi.
Ever since the SOPs were put in place to tackle rising numbers in public gatherings, the height of the Ganesh idol was fixed to four-feet at public places and two feet in private places. All restrictions ceased to exist March 31.
However, the guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board regarding the making of the idol and its visarjan (immersion) will be maintained.
