Mumbai May 9 (UNI) Authorities in Mumbai's famous Siddhivinayak temple at Prabhadevi have announced a ban on coconuts and prasad inside the temple premises due to security reasons.

The step was taken as a safety precaution because coconuts can be used to conceal explosives.

Sada Sarvankar, chairman of the temple trust and former MLA, said on Friday that the decision was taken after an advisory from the police and the Maharashtra government.

“Coconuts are a nightmare as far as security is concerned. It is time-consuming to check every coconut. Sweets carry the risk of a poison attack on pilgrims,” said Sarvankar, who added that the vendors outside the temples have been told to stop buying fresh stock.

The vendors have been given two days to finish existing stocks. The ban will come into effect from Sunday.

Sarvankar said there was no specific terror threat, but security measures have been introduced as a precaution. During the ban period, devotees can carry small bundles of durva grass and flowers as offerings to Lord Ganesha. Heavy garlands have also been banned. A notice about the ban is expected to be issued to pilgrims.

Meanwhile, the temple organised special prayers to thank Lord Ganesha for 'Operation Sindoor', the Indian military's successful strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan. Acharya Pawan Tripathi, the temple trust's treasurer, led the prayers. The Lord's altar was decorated with the tricolour.

According to information available most the trustees of the shrines in Mumbai are also considering imposing such a ban on the coconut and Niyaz (parsad).

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