BENGALURU: As the Gowri-Ganesha festival approaches on September 7, what is typically a time of joy and spiritual celebration has turned into a source of frustration for many devotees. The Bengaluru City Police’s newly issued guidelines, intended to ensure the festival proceeds without disrupting daily life, have sparked outrage among organisers and worshippers alike.
The Gowri-Ganesha festival, a deeply significant cultural event, traditionally sees communities across Bengaluru setting up elaborate Ganesha idols and organizing vibrant immersion processions. However, this year, the police’s stringent regulations have dampened the festive spirit. The new rules mandate that all organisers obtain permissions from local police stations before placing idols in public spaces, a requirement that many see as burdensome and unnecessary.
Karnataka: CONgress Police wants Hindus to get permissions from 36 Departments for Ganesha Festival, making it next to impossible to celebrate it.
No such requirements for Eid or Christmas.
Hope the freebies were worth this, my dear Hindus. pic.twitter.com/2KJ2XZOXR8
— Arun Pudur (@arunpudur) September 1, 2024
“The festival is a time for devotion and community gathering, not for jumping through bureaucratic hoops,” said Ramesh Kumar, a longtime festival organizer. “These rules are making it almost impossible for us to celebrate in the way we have for generations.”
One of the most contentious points is the requirement that installations must not obstruct public or vehicular traffic, particularly on busy roads. While the police argue that this is necessary to prevent congestion and ensure public safety, many devotees feel that it unfairly restricts their religious expression.
“The streets are where we have always celebrated Ganesha Chaturthi,” said Meena Patil, a devotee from Basavanagudi. “These new rules are taking away the very essence of our tradition.”
The police have also issued a stern warning against the unauthorised collection of funds for installation of murtis and related activities, threatening legal action against violators. While intended to curb extortion, some organizers argue that it could stifle genuine community efforts to fund their celebrations.
Further adding to the frustration, organisers are now required to secure permits from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for constructing pandals or erecting shamiyanas in public areas. These additional layers of bureaucracy have left many scrambling to meet the requirements in time for the festival.
“Every year, we collect donations and set up pandals in our neighborhood,” said Shankar Rao, another festival organizer. “But now, we are being treated like criminals just for trying to celebrate our faith.”
Moreover, the prohibition on installing murtis in disputed locations, unless prior consent is obtained from both the property owner and local police, has caused confusion and concern among organizers. Many are unsure whether their chosen sites will be allowed, adding to the uncertainty.
The police’s directive that two responsible members from each organizing committee must be present at the idol installation site around the clock has also been criticised. Organizers argue that this requirement is both impractical and unnecessary.
“Expecting us to station people at the site 24/7 is ridiculous,” said Priya Desai, a member of a local organizing committee. “We have families and jobs—this is not feasible.”
Adding to the tension, the police have restricted the use of loudspeakers to between 6 am and 10 pm, citing concerns for senior citizens, school children, and the general public. The outright ban on DJs and high-volume sound systems has further angered those who view music as an integral part of the festivities.
In response to the guidelines, several community leaders have voiced their concerns and are urging the government to reconsider some of the more restrictive measures. “We understand the need for order, but these guidelines are overly harsh and are infringing on our religious freedoms,” said Arun Pudur Netizen. He questioned there is no restriction by state government for Eid and Christmas.
As the festival date draws nearer, tensions are mounting between the authorities and the city’s Ganesha devotees. Many are hoping for a last-minute easing of the rules, but with the current stance of the police, it remains to be seen how the celebrations will unfold.
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