Pune Ganeshotsav: VIP darshan banned; check the new model code of conduct

Pune: With four days left for Ganesh Festival, Pune Police has issued a model code of conduct for the mandals in the city.

With the omission of any type of procession, the Pune police have stated that devotees should avoid overcrowding, for puja, only five members should be present and use of Aarogya Setu app is mandatory for all mandal office bearers.

The city had already imposed restrictions on religious, social and business practices in the past four months amid the rise of COVID-19 cases in the city. Keeping the same in mind, all mandals in Pune have already decided to celebrate this year’s Ganesh Festival in low-key style.

Dr Ravindra Shisve, Joint Commissioner of Police, has clarified that all devotees and mandal office-bearers should follow the code of conduct and the guidelines. Talking to Sakal Times, Shisve said, "Pune is battling hard with the novel coronavirus, the upcoming Ganesh Festival every year is celebrated in huge grandeur but this year, people must understand the grim situation.”

“People must simply celebrate the festival and give priority to public health. People must take care of their family members especially senior citizens and children during the festival and should avoid congregation at the mandals to seek darshan. Also, the rules given by the police and municipal administration should be followed strictly,” he added.

MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT

• No arrival and immersion processions.
• Mandals which are associated with temples requested to install idols at the premises of the temples.
• Height of Ganesh idols is restricted to four feet for mandals and two feet for household Ganesh idols.
• Mandals should host blood donation camps or other welfare activities.
• Only five people allowed for puja and aarti.
• Use of mask, sanitiser is mandatory with all norms of social distancing should be followed.
• Online darshan should be promoted. Use of social media to broadcast live darshan to devotees.
• No special invitee or VIP darshan.
• If suspicious items are found, one must call the police immediately.
• Only five mandal office bearers or private security guards 24 hours a day to protect the Ganesh idols.
• The President of mandal and its office bearers must install Aarogya Setu app.

CONTACT NUMBERS FOR ASSISTANCE

• Control room: 100/26126296/26122880
• Traffic control room: 020- 26685000
• Special branch control room: 020-26208286