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AMN

In Maharashtra, hectic preparations are underway in households and Pandals ahead of the 10-day Ganesh festival that commences from tomorrow. With easing of restrictions, people have been visiting markets to purchase all the essentials and required items for the installation of Ganesha idols.

With the outbreak of COVID, the State Government and the city’s civic body has come up with guidelines to celebrate the festival.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 all the festivals have been celebrated in a subdued manner not only in Mumbai but in other parts of Maharashtra as well. And, the 10-day Ganeshotsav that begins tomorrow will also be a low-key affair, this year.

In order to contain the spread of the virus, the State Government has appealed to the public Ganesha mandals to celebrate the festival in a simple manner and by adhering to social distancing norms. They have also been urged to ensure that devotees do not crowd the pandals. The government has asked the Ganesh Mandals to restrict the height of their Ganesha idol to four feet.

Whereas, in the case of Ganesha idols that will be installed in households their height should be maximum two feet. Also, there will be no processions to welcome or to bid adieu lord Ganapati, this year.

Meanwhile, the famous Lalbaugcha Raja Ganesh Mandal in Mumbai has decided to not celebrate the festival this year. Instead they are organizing the plasma donation camp. The Mandal has also decided to give one lakh rupees each to the families of 92 policemen, who lost lives in the line of duty in the COVID pandemic.

The Mumbai civic body on its part has asked people to immerse the idols in artificial ponds so as to prevent crowd on the beaches.

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