Gowri Habba And Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: Bengaluru Police Issue Guidelines For Everyone

In view of Gowri Habba and Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 in the city, the Bengaluru police have released a set of guidelines that must be adhered to during the festival.

The authorities have made it mandatory to obtain permission for the installation of Ganesh idols in public areas. Here are the guidelines issued by the police that organisers are required to follow:

• The collection of illegal funds for the installation of Ganesh idols is strictly prohibited.
• Police permission is a prerequisite for the installation of Ganesh idols in public spaces.
• Organisers must secure special permission for the construction of pandals.
• Ganesh idols should not be placed at disputed locations.
• Organizers will be held accountable for any untoward incidents occurring during the procession.
• Organisers are obligated to have firefighting equipment and CCTV cameras at their pandals.
• The use of wood, kerosene, and any fire-related materials is prohibited within pandals.
• Approval from the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) and the fire department is mandatory for the provision of electricity within pandals.
• The use of speakers is allowed only between 6 am and 10 pm.
• DJ sound systems are strictly prohibited.
• Idol immersion must be completed by 10 pm.

To streamline the permission process for Gowri Habba and Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 celebrations, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has established 63 single-window clearance centers throughout the city.

Gowri Habba is a Hindu festival celebrated in Karnataka, occurring one day prior to Ganesh Chaturthi. This festival is dedicated to the goddess Gowri, also known as Gauri or Parvati, who is revered as the mother of Ganesha. It holds great significance in Karnataka and is primarily observed by married women. In North Indian states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, a similar festival is known as Hartalika.

Gowri, as the mother of Ganesha and the consort of Lord Shiva, is revered across India for her ability to grant her devotees courage and strength. According to Hindu belief, Gowri is considered the incarnation of Aadhi Shakthi Mahamaya, representing the divine feminine energy. She is regarded as the Shakti, or power, of Shiva.

Traditionally, it is believed that on Thadige, which falls on the third day of the month of Bhadra, Gowri visits her parents' home, just like a married woman returns to her maternal household. The following day, Ganesha, her son, arrives as if to take her back to their celestial abode at Kailasa.