The state government of Maharashtra, a few weeks back, announced the guidelines for this year's Ganestosav celebrations. Last year, the festival was celebrated in a simple manner due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, due to which, many popular associations and mandals in Mumbai were not able to invite the devotees. Popular Lalbaughcha Raja Ganeshotsav Mandal also conducted a donation drive last year, which was the first time in 86 years, the association did not celebrate the 11-day festivities.
However, officials from the mandal confirmed that the association this year will continue to celebrate Ganeshtosav 2021 in a traditional manner. COVID-19 guidelines and rules will be imposed strictly at Lalbaug keeping the ongoing COVID-19 wave in mind, and amidst the traditional celebrations, devotees will have to adhere to the norms in order to maintain safety. Confirmation regarding the same was given by the authorities to ANI, on Sunday, August 1, 2021.
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President of the mandal, Balasaheb Kamble, said that the officials from the association met recently to discuss the matters and have confirmed that the celebrations will be held in a traditional manner with four feet idol and as per government instructions. Moreover, no physical darshan will be allowed and no queues can be formed at the pandal. Online darshan facilities will be arranged this year and COVID-19 rules will be imposed strictly.
The 11-day Ganeshotsav 2021 will begin from September 10, 2021. A few weeks back, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray announced that the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations this year will have to be maintained in a simple manner. Guidelines were issued for the mandals and the height of the idol this yer has been set as four feet, where the ones bought for their homes will have to be no more than two feet tall.
Keeping the safety aspects in mind, citizens have been appealed to maintain social distancing and avoid gathering or crowding during the festivals. Mandals will also have to seek permission from the local civic bodies before erecting the pandal.
Also Read: Ganeshotsav 2021: MSRTC to run 2,200 extra buses to Konkan
Artificial immersion tanks will be set for Ganesh Visarjan this year, and the process will be the same as mentioned last year. Citizens have been asked not to crowd at visarjan centres and if possible immerse the idol at the residential premises in a quiet and simple manner. Keeping the environmental concerns in mind, several associations have asked the citizens to opt for eco-friendly Ganpati idols.
The state has recorded over six million coronavirus cases so far with over 1.3 lakh deaths. Strict measures are being taken to ensure the spread of the virus is contained. Experts have also warned the state about the third COVID-19 wave and considering the same, the government and local civic bodies have starting arranging healthcare facilities to tackle the cases and curb the spread. Meanwhile, vaccination drive is being conducted across the state, where citizens above 18 years of age are being vaccinated for the virus.
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