So many effigies popping up

I don't know but I'm seeing a lot of santa effigies popping up across several areas to be burnt on nye... Saw one recently near ngo quarters kakkanad and that too in the middle of the road with little to no security/enforcement causing accident if burnt irresponsibly. Are these effigies set up with the concerned authorities' approval? If not, any mishap happens while burning can cause a huge disaster. Also pappanji burning has been a part of the Fort Kochi carnival' years long tradition. What is this wierd obsession to recreate the same thing everywhere or am I missing out anything?