Team Herald
VASCO: Vasco locals have asked the State government to provide clarity on the standard operating procedure (SOP) for the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi to avoid confusion.
Social activist from Vasco Preetam Queloscar said, “Most people residing in Mormugao taluka and in Vasco have to visit their native places in other parts of Goa. And they are likely to attend Chaturthi there. There is a request that Vascoites need to visit their native places well in advance and stay there for 15 days. This is impossible as all are working and can’t get leave for so long. Due to COVID pandemic many have even lost their jobs”.
He said, “The government should start creating awareness on the SoP for Chaturthi which is celebrated with great fervour.”
“What about the people who go door-to-door for Ganesh aarti and cultural events? How many people should be allowed during Ganesh idol immersion and how many days Chaturthi should be celebrated? All these queries need to be addressed by the government to avoid chaos and to prevent to further spread of coronavirus,” Queloscar demanded.
It is learnt that a journalist from Vasco, who visits his native place in Arambol for Chaturthi has been “asked” to either visit Arambol 15 days prior or stay back due to the pandemic.
Meanwhile, a Ganesh idol maker from the port town said, he had clients from various parts of Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
“This year the workers arriving from neighbouring States had to undergo quarantine and we had to meet their expenses. Hence, the prices of Ganesh idols have been increased a bit,” he said.
The idol maker has requested the government to advise them on how they can provide these idols to their regular clients from other States.
