Due to the ongoing lockdown amidst the coronavirus outbreak, several mandals across Mumbai have been celebrating Ganeshotsav in a simple manner. This was decided after Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray asked the associations to either cancel the celebrations or keep it low-key, so as to maintain social distancing and guidelines issued during the pandemic.
Every year, Mumbaikars rejoice Ganesh Chaturthi and lakhs of devotees visit the popular mandals across the city to seek blessings. However, this year, mandals have avoided loud celebrations and have played nothing but devotional songs with an aim to still feel enthusiastic about the special occasion.
Further, no idol above the height of four feet has been used by these associations, and officials have only used the pooja idol and not the celebratory idol for the festival.
Usually, large groups of devotees visit Mumbai's Lalbaughcha Raja and Parelcha Raja to seek blessings and the bylanes in these localities are filled with stalls, people and music. The aura, however, is rather quiet and different this year. Residents and visitors have said that the 'devotional spirit' is pleasing and quiet as the atmosphere is calm. Similar visuals and experiences were shared from areas like Curry Road, Chinchpokli, Andheri and many other localities.
Meanwhile, the associations also planned online LIVE darshan for devotees, where channels are created on social media platforms, for one to seek blessings. With an aim to maintain social distancing and avoid crowding, mandals have also stopped the public from entering several locations. On the other hand, several associations have taken a different approach by organising health, blood donation and public awareness programs amidst the pandemic.
Share
Tweet
