Do's and Don'ts for Ganesha processions

Newly posted Asst Commissioner of Police N. Nagaraj and Tilaknagar Inspector of Police M. Srinidhi convened a meeting of people belonging to all communities to discuss some Do’s and Don’ts with regard to Ganesha Chathurthi, at Kalkal conventional centre, Jayanagar 9th Block on August 28. Following are the rules to be followed by the public:

Any group wishing to take out Ganesha procession should first obtain permission from the respective police jurisdictional authority by giving a letter with due location and route map, including the date and time of immersion. Permission should also be obtained from the respective departments like Bescom, BBMP, and traffic, with special permission for use of mike, and pay prescribed nominal fees for the banners and posters.

Many people came out with suggestions to ensure peace during the processions. Some wanted the police to keep a special watch on the slum areas, bars and restaurants and also announce a dry day during the festival. Some youngsters complained that the police treated them as accused. They pointed out that rather than create nuisance, they were able to help the police in ensuring peace. All that they were doing in the night time was to take care of their belongings and the idol of Ganesha which was kept in a public place, said.

Mohamed Anwar Secretary of Tilaknagr Moque, while conceding that some of the young boys created nuisance by speeding in their bikes immediately after saying their prayers, appealed to the processionists to keep low voice especially during the Namaz period for around 20 minutes, i.e. 6.40 pm to 7.05 pm.
The mosque head emphasized that Muslims also took part in the Ganesha celebrations and even donated for the arrangements made in the mohallas. He cautioned both the communities to keep a tab on rowdy elements who were bent upon dividing people in the name of religion.

Kishore Joseph, Publisher, This Week Bangalore, and Member, BJP Minority Morcha, urged the Muslim leaders and Hindu organizations to create awareness about the need to maintain peace at all costs during festivals. He requested the Muslim mosque leaders to spread this all important message during the Roza prayers.

ACP N. Nagaraj, appealed to the public to maintain peace and unity and avoid unnecessarily blocking the road while taking out processions. He also said people who had consumed alcohol should be kept out of such festivities, as they were more interested in disturbing the peace. Stating that the holy month of Ramzan would begin at the end of this month, he said it was incumbent upon the local leaders of the Hindu and Muslim community to maintain peace.