Kolhapur : A day after Kolhapur police restricted Ganesh idol arrival processions to Sept 14 and immersion processions to Sept 25, the decision drew mixed reactions, with one prominent mandal backing the move while several others expressed reservations over the late announcement.
“Our mandal has been carrying out immersion on the second day for the last 10 years so that devotees can witness the ceremony. Police had announced that mandals would not be allowed to take out arrival or immersion processions on any other day, citing recurring traffic congestion caused by staggered processions spread over several days. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kolhapur | Silver Rate in Kolhapur | Bank Holidays in Kolhapur | Public Holidays in Kolhapur Stay updated with the latest Kolhapur news.
Use of sound systems and laser lights will invite strict action, and we appeal to mandals to refrain from using them,” Patil said. We have already booked sound operators, DJs and other arrangements for the processions,” said Sushil Bhandigare of Juna Budhwar Talim Mandal. I don’t think the administration’s decision will be implemented,” said Nandkumar Valanju, founder-president of Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Chowk Tarun Mandal.
The idol was installed at the site in the presence of a dhol troupe. “The positive stand taken by the Ganesh mandal is commendable. Other mandals should also avoid processions except on the notified arrival and immersion days. However, several city mandals questioned the practicality of the restrictions, saying preparations for the festival had already been completed. “A meeting with Ganesh mandals should have been held at least two months ago. Some organisers also expressed doubts over whether the new rules could be uniformly enforced. Download the TOI App.
Had these restrictions been communicated earlier, there would have been time for discussion. Setting an example, Y P Pawar Nagar Mitra Mandal (Karveercha Raja) chose to unveil its Ganesh idol on Sunday without a procession or high decibel sound system. The initiative was appreciated by the police administration, with superintendent of police Neelotpal and deputy SP Priya Patil felicitating the mandal’s office-bearers on Monday.