Unhappy over the state government’s guidelines, several Durga Puja organisers have decided to meet the authorities to seek a few relaxations, especially on the height of idols that has been capped at 4 feet.

The state government’s guidelines, issued on Thursday, primarily focuses on curbing chances of crowding. The government has banned loudspeakers/public address systems, theme-based pandals, light decorations, bhog distribution, dhakis, fairs/exhibitions and hosting cultural programmes.

Organisers in Ranchi said while they were prepared for most of the restrictions, the specified height of idols may not be possible to comply with.

Munchun Roy, convenor of Ranchi Mahanagar Durga Puja Samiti, an umbrella outfit of about 100 puja samitis, said, “At the outset, we are happy that the government has finally allowed opening of temples from October 8 and conduct of Durga puja. We are okay with most of the clauses of the guidelines but most organisers are upset with idol size. Maintaining the size of idol precisely to 4 feet may be not always be possible.”

Roy said that some organisers had already ordered their idols. “Many idols are almost ready and redoing them now could be a problem. The reason why we believe that 4 feet idol may not be technically feasible is because in most cases, the goddess is seated on a lion or Mahisasur. Plus, there will be accessories. We appeal to the government to look into this aspect,” he said, adding that all puja organisers were committed to following all Covid safety norms.

Sandip Maurya, joint secretary of Bandhgari Durga Puja Samiti, appealed to the government to reconsider its ban on the use of public address systems. “We can’t deny the entry of any visitor to a pandal. In case of rush, a public address system will help,” he said.

For those who depend on the annual festival for their livelihood, like artisans, tent house owners and electricians, the government guidelines have come as a damper. Sujoy Ghosh, proprietor of Ghosh Tent House in Chiroundi, said, “Durga Puja is the biggest source of revenue for us every year. But with the pandemic robbing our earnings since March, the latest guidelines are a deterrent as the government has banned construction of big pandals and the use of lighting decorations. Compared to last year, I foresee a loss of more than 90 per cent this year.”

Ghosh said the guidelines have come as a blow to caterers as well. “With no community feast or distribution of bhog, caterers will be further pushed to the brink as there are have been no marriage functions this year due to the cap on the number of guests at 50,” he said.