Tamil Nadu relaxes ban on Vinayaka Chaturthi ; Govt will immerse idols

Devotees will be allowed to keep Ganesh idols outside small temples. Immersing of idols in water bodies will be undertaken by the state government, Tamil Government informed to Madras High Court.

Chennai:Relaxing the restrictions on Vinayaka Chaturthi celebrations, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam led government in Tamil Nadu told the Madras High Court on Monday that devotees are allowed to keep Ganesh idols outside small temples. Immersing idols in water bodies, one of the key rituals will be undertaken by the state government. The state government further informed the court that curbs have been imposed on the basis of the Union Government's order to contain the Covid-19 spread.

The court was hearing a petition filed by Hindu Munnani seeking Special Operation Procedures for the festival. The matter was heard by Chief Justice of Madras HC, Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Audikesavalu.

The state witnessed protests led by the Bharatiya Janata Party and Hindu Munnani against the government's ban on installing idols along the roadside during the festival. The restriction was in place owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

As per sources, Tamil Nadu had earlier announced the closure of beaches on Sundays. Owing to the Covid pandemic, a ban was also in place for visiting places of worship on weekends and holding religious festivals. Ganesh Chaturthi on upcoming September 10 was expected to be celebrated in a low key affair in spite of the ban, like last year.