Single-window for clearance to help Ganeshotsava organisers

Mysuru: Old Mysuru region is gearing up for Ganesha Chaturthi celebrations on Wednesday. With no restrictions on place, the celebrations will be similar to pre-Covid-19 years, with cultural events adding to the festive mood.
The district administrations have launched single window facilities to enable organizers to get permission from various departments easily. According to authorities, police and the district administrations held meetings with officials and organizers on the guidelines issued for the celebrations of the Ganeshotsava. Committees are set up at the taluk level to receive applications and issue permission after reviewing the arrangements. These committees comprise officials from revenue, police, fire and emergency departments and Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC).
At urban local bodies, ward-level committees are formed to receive applications. The ban on idols made from plaster of Paris continues. Only clay Ganesha idols are allowed.
According to the Ganesha idol makers, rates of idols increased between 10% to 25%. According to Idol maker S Jayashankar from Mysuru, an idol that was sold for Rs 180 last year costs Rs 200 now. “The rate of clay, transportation and paint has increased drastically. The labour charge to prepare the mix has also doubled. So, we increased prices,” he said.
With no Covid-19 restrictions in place, cultural events are back for this festival. KR Raghu, who is heading a music troupe in Tyagarajanagar said there is a demand for artists for the next two weeks as many organisations are celebrating Ganeshotsava after August 31.
Meanwhile, various competitions and events are planned by organisers. In Mysuru city on Sunday, Mysuru Ganeshotsava Samiti organised seed ball Ganesha idol making programme while Arivu School organised a clay Ganesha idol making event for the public. Earlier, the school had organised a similar camp for students.