BENGALURU, Sep 6 : With the vibrant festivities of Ganesha Chaturthi just a day away, a Karnataka government circular mandating that only FSSAI-certified prasadam be distributed at public pandals has split opinion and sparked a fierce political row.
Issued on August 31, the circular stipulates that only FSSAI-certified individuals or organisations can prepare prasadam at public celebrations. What was meant to be a measure to ensure food safety has quickly snowballed into a heated debate on religious freedom and government overreach.
Leading the charge against the circular, the BJP has slammed the decision as anti-Hindu, accusing the Congress-led Karnataka government of meddling with age-old traditions.
“This is a direct attack on our cultural and religious practices,” BJP said, echoing the sentiments of several party leaders who see the mandate as an unnecessary intrusion into the sanctity of religious festivals.
The BJP argues that the requirement undermines the essence of Ganesha Chaturthi, a festival deeply rooted in community participation and local traditions.
They contend that enforcing such regulations just days before the celebrations places undue stress on organisers and devotees alike, threatening to dampen the festive spirit.
The Karnataka government, however, has so far stood firm on its decision, asserting that public safety is the priority. “This is not about faith, but about the health and safety of thousands who gather at these pandals,” stated a government official.
The administration insists that FSSAI certification is crucial to ensuring the hygiene and quality of food served, thus protecting the public from potential foodborne illnesses during the festival.
In a formal communication to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the FSSAI made it clear that certification is mandatory for prasadam distribution at any Ganesha pandal in Bengaluru.
The authority stressed that stringent measures are necessary to maintain food quality standards, warning that legal action will be taken against those who flout the rules.
The FSSAI certification is just one of many hurdles for Ganesha pandal organisers this year. According to the circular, organisers must also secure a host of permits from the police, BBMP, Bescom, and other agencies before setting up their pandals.
Compliance with environmental guidelines laid down by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board is mandatory, requiring organisers to manage waste disposal and maintain cleanliness around the pandal.
Safety protocols have also been tightened, with organisers required to install CCTV cameras, provide fire extinguishers, and display emergency contact numbers prominently at the venue. (UNI )
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