Mangaluru: More than 650 Ganesha idols are set to be installed at public places across Udupi district and Mangaluru city as Karnataka prepares for the Ganesha festival. The large number of public installations has prompted authorities and organisers to make arrangements for celebrations, processions and immersion while keeping safety and environmental concerns in focus.
The festival is being celebrated on September 14, with public celebrations expected to draw large crowds at several locations. The scale of the installations reflects the continued popularity of community-based Ganesha celebrations across the coastal districts.
Hundreds of public celebrations planned
Public Ganesha installations have become an important part of the festival in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada, with local committees organising celebrations in residential areas, commercial localities and community spaces.
With more than 650 installations planned across Udupi district and Mangaluru city, police and civic authorities are required to coordinate with organisers to manage crowds, traffic and processions.
The arrangements are particularly important at locations where large numbers of devotees are expected to gather during the festival and during idol immersion.
Focus on permissions and safety
Organisers of public Ganesha celebrations are expected to follow the permissions and conditions prescribed by local authorities. Police coordination is particularly important for processions, as officials need to regulate traffic and ensure that celebrations do not disrupt movement on busy roads.
Authorities have also been emphasising the need for organisers to maintain safety at installation and immersion venues.
The large number of public celebrations means that coordination between festival committees, police, local administration and civic bodies will remain crucial throughout the festival period.
Eco-friendly idols remain a key concern
Environmental protection is another important aspect of this year’s celebrations. Authorities have been encouraging the use of clay and other eco-friendly Ganesha idols while discouraging idols made from Plaster of Paris and those coated with chemical colours.
The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board has previously highlighted the environmental impact of immersing Plaster of Paris and chemically coloured idols in water bodies. The board has also conducted awareness campaigns encouraging citizens to opt for eco-friendly idols.
The growing emphasis on eco-friendly celebrations is aimed at reducing pollution in rivers, lakes and other water bodies following idol immersion.
Immersion arrangements need coordination
With hundreds of public idols being installed, the immersion phase is expected to require extensive coordination between organisers and authorities.
Police personnel will have to monitor processions, particularly at locations where multiple groups may take out processions on the same day. Traffic management will also be important to prevent congestion in urban areas.
Civic agencies are expected to ensure that designated immersion facilities are ready and that waste generated during the celebrations is cleared promptly.
The arrangements are especially significant in Mangaluru city and Udupi district, where public celebrations can attract sizeable gatherings.
Coastal Karnataka prepares for festive celebrations
The extensive public installations in Udupi and Mangaluru underline the importance of Ganesha festival celebrations in coastal Karnataka. Community groups and local committees have been preparing for the festivities, while authorities are focusing on maintaining law and order and ensuring safe celebrations.
With the festival beginning on September 14, the next few days are expected to see increased movement around installation sites and procession routes.
Authorities have urged organisers and devotees to cooperate with the police and civic agencies and follow the prescribed guidelines so that the celebrations can take place peacefully and without causing inconvenience to the public.