The annual Chhath Puja celebrations in Maharashtra will be bound by restrictions imposed by the state and civic authorities this year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
A representation by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) corporators has demanded that the guidelines for the Chhath Puja programme should be issued at the earliest by keeping the pandemic scenario in mind.
The BJP corporators have demanded that artificial ponds like the ones during Ganesh Chaturthi should be provided to prevent people from gathering on beaches and public water bodies in large numbers.
Chhath Puja is observed with great fervour even in Mumbai, with lakhs of devotees thronging to various beaches/water bodies to perform the ritual every year.
BJP leader Subhranshu Dixit wrote a letter to the Governor and demanded permission for Chhath Puja celebrations across Maharashtra.
He also requested the government to guide the BMC to make arrangements as per the protocols.
Apart from Juhu beach, Sanjay Gandhi National park, Shivaji Park, Colaba and Banganga are a few other venues in Mumbai where devotees gather and take a holy dip during sunrise and sunset on the occasion.
On 20 November, Chhath Puja will be celebrated across India. Due to the pandemic, the government is urging the people to celebrate the festival in low key.