With the threat of third wave looming large, the government of Andhra Pradesh has decided that it will not allow Ganesh Puja pandals and immersion processions this year.
The decision has come as a jolt to the idol makers who are apprehensive of a no-business festive season for the second consecutive year.
As per reports, Andhra is not home to only Telugu people but there are hundreds of idol makers from Rajasthan and other cities who have settled in the southern state to earn a livelihood.
As restrictions eased, the idol makers and vendors were hopeful of a decent business but the decision of government has left them in distress. They have criticised the government mentioning that it has allowed bars, meat shops and all other places to open, but is against celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi.
Stating that they are already in debt amounting to lakhs of rupees, these artisans have urged government to allow idol sale at least for this year so that they are able to clear the stocks. With almost nil buyers, the artisans are not even able to earn a square meal, leave aside paying rent for the place.
They said if the government doesn’t relax restrictions, they will be forced to take the extreme step and end life.