Visakhapatnam: Festival organisers in Visakhapatnam are expressing disappointment over new restrictions imposed on the Ganesh Chaturthi idol immersion processions.

Youth associations, puja committees, and pandal organisers have voiced their concerns about the limitations, which have dampened the usual festive spirit.

This year, police have banned the use of DJs, loudspeakers, high-decibel instruments, and fireworks during the processions. Long-standing traditions like the splashing of colors and bursting of crackers have also been halted. Additionally, festival organisers are tasked with ensuring that there are no indecent displays, dancing, or consumption of alcohol or intoxicating substances throughout the processions.

The police have assigned specific immersion points based on the area’s police station limits. For instance, organisers within the One Town limits are directed to immerse idols opposite the Naval Coastal Battery Quarters, while those under Newport Police Station are to use Yarada Jetty.

Other immersion points include Rushikonda, Sagar Nagar, and Jodugullapalem beaches for Arilova organisers and Jalaripeta Beach for those within MVP limits. Bheemili police station organisers are directed to Bheemili Beach, Tagarapuvalasa, Mangamaripeta Beach, and Annavaram Beach.

To ensure the smooth running of the processions and adherence to the rules, City Police Commissioner Shanka Brata Bagchi has visited the immersion sites and mandapams. 

Meanwhile, the North Andhra Event Welfare Association has appealed to the police and local MLAs, requesting permission to include DJs in the processions. They have assured authorities that they will comply with the other guidelines but hope for flexibility regarding the music restrictions.

As the city prepares for grand immersion processions, organisers remain hopeful that some restrictions will be relaxed, allowing them to fully celebrate the spirit of the festival.

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