Mumbai, August 27: For the first time, the Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti, the umbrella of Ganpati mandals in the city, has issued a set of "dos and don'ts". BSGSS has given this instruction to check violations by the mandals or organisers. According to The Indian Express, the guidelines were published after a meeting with Mumbai police. Ganesh Chaturthi 2019: Drive Home Toll-Free From Mumbai to Konkan on These Dates.

Among the guidelines are- warning against noise pollution and to consider devotional songs instead of remixes played by DJs during the Ganeshotsav. Naresh Dahibavkar, who heads BSGSS told Indian Express that last year he received many calls from the parents of volunteers who were booked by the cops for violating noise pollution rules. So to make mandals aware, a guidebook has been issued for the first time.

The Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti has also warned mandals of legal consequences if any "do and don't' are violated. The booklet begins with a summary of the Environment Protection Act (EPA) and reminds organisers that each year, the deadline to use loudspeakers is extended to midnight for 15 days, four of which are for Ganeshotsav. Ganesh Chaturthi 2019: Konkan Railway to Run Special Trains.

Here are "dos and don'ts" published by BSGSS:

  • The BSGSS has recommended entering into written contracts with the contractors providing sound equipment.

  • The noise level during the daytime should not exceed 55 decibels and 45 decibels at night. Similarly, 50 decibels in the day and 40 decibels in the night at silent zones.

  • The Samiti has recommended that organisers and volunteers should download noise measuring applications to personally measure decibel levels.

  • Ganesh mandals are asked to avoid making any political statement as Maharashtra Assembly Elections are close.

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is a festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesh. The festival is marked by the installation of Ganesh idols in homes, or publicly. The festivities include new clothing, sweets and dance processions. Modak, a sweet, is offered to Lord Ganesha and also received as prasad.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 27, 2019 04:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).