<h1>Government residence hosts religious idol immersion during festival: raises questions about state neutrality and constitutional secularism</h1> A ceremonial immersion of a religious idol was conducted within the official gubernatorial residence on a public festival day following formal rituals attended by officials, staff, residents and children. Legally, use of a state-owned residence and participation by government officials in overtly religious ceremonies raises issues of state neutrality and secularism, potential perceptions of government endorsement of religion, and equal treatment of religions under constitutional principles. Absent reported coercion or preferential treatment, such events typically draw scrutiny under public law standards but may be permissible if access is open, participation voluntary, and state resources are not used to favor a particular faith.