Ganeshotsav: Chhattisgarh Civil Society seeks ban on obscene songs, vulgar dances
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Raipur, August 28: The Chhattisgarh Civil Society has urged the state government to strictly regulate Ganeshotsav celebrations, calling…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Raipur, August 28: The Chhattisgarh Civil Society has urged the state government to strictly regulate Ganeshotsav celebrations, calling for a ban on obscene songs and vulgar dances at puja pandals and seeking stronger measures to ensure safety, discipline and environmental protection during the festival.
Civil Society Convener Dr Kuldeep Solanki submitted a memorandum containing a detailed set of proposed guidelines to Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma, seeking their implementation across the state.
According to the organisation, the proposed measures are aimed at ensuring that Ganeshotsav is celebrated with social harmony, cultural dignity, public safety and environmental responsibility. The Deputy Chief Minister, it said, responded positively to the memorandum.
Legal action sought against obscene performances
The Civil Society has proposed a complete ban on the playing of obscene songs and staging of vulgar dances at Ganeshotsav pandals.
It has sought legal action against organisers if such activities are found at their pandals, arguing that organisers should be held responsible for maintaining the dignity and decorum of the celebrations.
The organisation has also proposed that no person under the influence of intoxicants be permitted to enter pandals. Organisers, security personnel and volunteers would screen suspicious individuals and hand them over to the police if necessary.
CCTV cameras, fire extinguishers at pandals
The proposed guidelines call for every Ganeshotsav pandal to have an adequate number of CCTV cameras and functional fire extinguishers.
The organisation has also urged the administration and police to maintain regular patrols during the festival and ensure compliance with safety and law-and-order measures.
Volunteer groups have been asked to assist the authorities in maintaining discipline and public safety.
PoP and plastic idols proposed to be banned
The Civil Society has also called for a complete ban on the manufacture and sale of Ganesh idols made of Plaster of Paris (PoP) and plastic.
It has proposed fines ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 for sellers violating the rules, with the cost of disposing of confiscated idols to be recovered from the offenders.
According to the proposed guidelines, only idols made from natural clay, traditional craftsmanship and other eco-friendly materials should be permitted for sale.
Action sought against intoxicated participants
The memorandum calls for strict vigilance during Ganesh idol welcome and immersion processions against people participating while heavily intoxicated.
The Civil Society has proposed that police authorities be empowered to conduct on-the-spot alcohol tests on suspected offenders.
It has also referred to provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, seeking action against public nuisance and obscene or vulgar conduct during the celebrations.
Noise control and immersion rules
The organisation has sought strict adherence to prescribed noise levels and time limits during Ganeshotsav celebrations and processions.
It has proposed that the immersion of large Ganesh idols across the state be conducted exclusively on Anant Chaturdashi, while smaller idols may be immersed according to local traditions.
The guidelines also call for immersion to be carried out only at sites identified and notified by the local administration and municipal authorities.
The Civil Society has proposed that immersion processions begin at 6 pm and conclude by midnight, with organising committees responsible for ensuring compliance with the prescribed timings and maintaining decorum.
‘Festival should remain safe and dignified’
Dr Solanki said effective implementation of the proposed guidelines would help ensure that Ganeshotsav is celebrated in a safe, disciplined and dignified manner.
The organisation said its recommendations are intended to strike a balance between the religious and cultural significance of the festival, public safety, environmental protection and the need to maintain social harmony.
With the memorandum submitted to the Home Minister, the Civil Society is now seeking concrete administrative action to ensure that its proposed restrictions, particularly those concerning obscene songs, vulgar dances, intoxicant use, noise pollution and eco-friendly idols, are implemented during Ganeshotsav celebrations across Chhattisgarh.
