Ganeshotsav has a special place in the lives of people in Maharashtra, as the festival is celebrated in a grand manner every year. This 10-day festival does not fail in lifting the spirits of Mumbaikars. However, festivities have taken a simpler route this year, due to the coronavirus outbreak. Amidst the pandemic, the government of Maharashtra took necessary steps to ensure safety and has asked the people to celebrate the festival carefully without crowding or flouting the rules.
While the arrival of Bappa was performed a few days back, many Mumbaikars are now preparing for his farewell, and special arrangements have been made by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), where one can choose to perform the visarjan rituals at the artificial ponds in Mumbai.
As per government rules, nobody in Maharashtra can use an idol taller than four feet, and ever since this rule was announced, people have found different ways to make their own idol. Moreover, the preference of an eco-friendly idol over the one made with Plaster of Parid (PoP), is also higher than in previous years.
Amidst the enthusiasm, Kandivali-residents Balganesh Pillay and Vijay Lakshmi Pillay welcomed Bappa in a rather special way, by making a small six-inch idol using only tomatoes and chilli. This special idol has gained popularity among the neighbours and people have visited or sent them wishes for their effort. Talking about the same, the Pillay family shared their excitement and said that people feel a ‘different kind of bliss’ when they see this kind of a Ganapati idol made from everyday items.
This year, the final day of Ganpati Visarjan will be held on September 1, 2020, however, the crowd may be less this year at the beaches, as many associations have cancelled their festivities or are celebrating in a low-key manner.
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