Bengaluru bans plaster of Paris Ganesha idols for Gowri-Ganesha festival

Plaster of Paris Ganesha idols cannot be installed or worshipped in Bengaluru during the Gowri-Ganesha festival, GBA Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao said at a Peace and Harmony meeting with police.

Rao asked residents to choose eco-friendly idols. The city will arrange designated immersion facilities and temporary tanks near lakes for the festival.

Single-window centres will operate from sub-divisional offices of the five city corporations. Officials from the civic body, police, Bescom, and fire and emergency services will issue permissions needed for festival events.

Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh said processions must follow prescribed routes and timings to limit traffic disruption. Police will take action against violations, including alcohol consumption during processions.

Organisers seeking permissions for installations, processions or immersion events can approach the single-window centres at the sub-divisional offices.