Ganesh Chaturthi begins, celebrations go virtual in temples amid Covid-19 curbs

Devotees across the country begin 10-day long festivities; states take cautious approach and many states have decided not to allow Ganesh pandals and immersion processions this year

New Delhi:As the 10-day long Ganesh Chaturthi begins across the country, celebrations go virtual in temples across the country amid Covid-19 restrictions and protocol.

Celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi have completely gone virtual this year at the popular Siddhivinayak Temple in Maharashtra's Mumbai city in view of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Priests performed morning aarti which was broadcast live on their official website and Facebook page. Devotees were urged to take an online glimpse of the festivities at the temple.

Throughout the day, temple authorities would be keeping devotees updated on the festivities being carried out at the temple with the live session.

The grand celebrations were subdued across the city as Mumbai police imposed section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) from September 10-19 in order to curb the transmission of the virus. No processions of Ganpati will be allowed and more than five persons can't gather at a place, the Mumbai Police Commissioner's office had said. "We are following all government orders and suggested Covid appropriate behaviour in our temple premises. Devotees are not allowed inside temple premises. only priests and necessary staff is inside the temple. But we have arranged online Darshan of Sri Siddhivinayak through our social media pages," Adesh Bandekar, Chairman of Sri Siddhivinayak Temple Trust.

In Pune too, this year all Ganesh mandals will do the immersion at their pandals, said Ravindra Shisve, Joint Commissioner, Pune City Police on Thursday. He said people can use 'mobile visarjan' (immersion) vans for the immersion of idols.

In Andhra Pradesh, the state government has decided not to allow Ganesh pandals and immersion processions this year due to COVID-19.

Hyderabad markets witness increased demand for eco-friendly Ganesha idols

Meanwhile, Telangana High Court directed the state government not to allow idols of Lord Ganesh, made from plaster of Paris, to be immersed in Hussainsagar lake in Hyderabad. The court has also asked the state government to construct special rubber dams for the immersion of eco-friendly idols. After the order came, the markets in Hyderabad witnessed an increased demand for eco-friendly Ganesh idols.

According to local shopkeepers, people are rejecting idols made chemicals, Plaster of Paris, plastic, hot melt glue in favour of idols made of natural materials like clay and cow dung. "This year the sale of eco-friendly Ganesh idols is very good," said Ganesh, who has been in the business of selling idols of deities for the past 25 years. "For the past 10 years, I have been seeling eco-friendly and organic Ganesh idol. We also export our product to Andhra Pardesh. This year, the demand is very good. People are aware PoP idols cause pollution and they are demanding eco-friendly products," said Ganesh.

The Karnataka government last week also released the guidelines for Ganesh Chaturthi which allowed the celebrations only in place in districts where the Covid positivity rate is less than 2 per cent. It further said, "Only eco-friendly Ganapati idols are allowed. Not more than 4 feet tall Ganesha idol should be installed anywhere in the state. Not more than 2 feet tall Ganesha idol allowed to be installed inside homes. No processions are allowed. Immersion is only allowed in mobile immersion tanks, tubs."

On Thursday, Ganesh Utsav Seva Samiti along with other organisations staged a protest earlier in the day at BBMP head office demanding the withdrawal of guidelines restricting mass gathering on the festival.

"The government in Karnataka is allowing other festivals with large gatherings but they are setting guidelines for us. We ask the BBMP and the state government to withdraw the guidelines," Shashikanth Sharma, a protestor said. However, people in Bengaluru welcomed the government's directives and said the decision is in favour of the environment.

"The PoP idols are not good for the environment. Also, the COVID-29 pandemic is still not over, and going to public gatherings for celebration and emersion is dangerous for us. We are going to buy a small eco-friendly idol and immerse it in a bucket at home," said a local.

In Odisha, a Puri-based artist Saswat Sahoo has made a Ganesha idol using matchsticks. "It took me 8 days to prepare this 23 inches long and 22 inches wide idol using 5621 matchsticks. I will follow COVID protocols and offer prayers at my home," he said.

Ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi, people throng markets of Delhi to buy Ganesh idols on Thursday. "We will celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi at our home. I am very excited about it. I have been celebrating it for 7 years," said a resident of Delhi.

Uttar Pradesh government also advised the citizens to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi at home only, and not install idols in public places. "All COVID-19 protocols should be followed during the celebrations," the government said.

Tripura CM Biplab Deb inaugurates Ganesh Puja pandal in Agartala

Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Thursday inaugurated the Ganesh Puja pandal in Agartala. The puja pandal was beautifully decorated with garlands, flowers, and lights. The event started with the Chief Minister cutting the ribbon and taking the blessings of Lord Ganesh.

Speaking about the celebration, Deb said, "It is my immense pleasure to be a part of such an auspicious celebration." Deb praised the organisers of the Agartala Ganesh Puja for their hard work and dedication towards celebrating the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi with great enthusiasm.

This year's Ganesh Chaturthi, that starts on the fourth day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar month Bhadrapada, began today, on September 10.

ANI