CM Uddhav Thackeray interacts with Ganesh Mandals regarding Ganeshotsav 2020

Ganeshotsav is one of the most important festivals in the city, so much so that the city, for many reasons, is known due to this festival. This year too Ganesh Chaturthi is scheduled to be celebrated in the month of August and the preparations of the same have begun as mandals have decided to celebrate it their own way.

However, keeping the coronavirus outbreak and the lockdown in mind, there seems to be some sort of confusion around the festivities. In a recently held a meeting, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray interacted with the representatives of many mandals and encourage them to conduct the festival in a low-key manner.

Besides the CM, the meeting on June 18th was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Home Minister Anil Deshmukh, Minister of State for Home Affairs Satej Patil and Shambhuraj Desai, Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar, officials of various departments and Chairman of Brihanmumbai Public Ganeshotsav Committee Naresh Dahibawkar, representatives of Ganesh Mandal and sculptors' association.

Observing the confusion and considering the steps, officials and authorities have said the government is taking every step carefully. As per reports, the festival this year will not be celebrated with much fanfare due to the lockdown, and the government has asked the mandals to avoid crowds and processions.

The government also asked the authorities to celebrate the festival in a simple manner and a framework for the same will be decided soon, which will address the details about the festivities. Besides this, under no circumstances, will the norms be broken. 

Since Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most important festivals in the city officials have asked to ensure social consciousness during the celebrations. He appealed the mandals to cooperate in this matter. Associations based out of Pune and other districts in the state have also decided to celebrate it as suggested by the government. Moreover, mandals have promised to abide by every rule imposed by the officials and CM Uddhav Thackeray thanked everyone for the support.