Ganesh Chaturthi  is being celebrated in India to mark the birth of Lord Ganesha who is widely worshiped by Hindus as the god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune. The festival which began  on Saturday, August 22 this year, will culminate with Ganesh visarjan on September 1.  

Unlike previous years, the celebrations this year will be limited due to the coronavirus pandemic with states issuing guidelines that need to be followed. For instance, in Delhi, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee has put a ban on large congregations as well as on celebrations and immersions at public places. News 18 reported that in Goa, the festival will be celebrated for one and a half day only and not more than 10 people are allowed for the processions. 

Ganesh Chaturthi is the biggest festival in Maharashtra. Celebrations are not just limited to households as people visit pandals to see idols and take part in large processions in Mumbai and other cities. However, similar to other states and cities, guidelines have been issued to limit the celebrations. According to Times Now, large scale celebrations have been called off and the iconic Lalbaugcha Raja idol in Mumbai will only stand 4-feet tall this year. 

For people in Mumbai, Ganesh Chaturthi is all about week-long celebrations, family gatherings, processions and good food. 22-year-old Mumbai resident Sanjana Deshpande says, “My neighbours bring Lord’s idol every time and make ‘Ukdiche Modaks’  which is apparently Ganesha’s favourite. Thats my primary association and it was all about a week of fun, pandal hopping, food and divinity. If you’re lucky enough, Lalbaughcha Raja will give you darshan.”

However, adhering to social distancing norms and limited celebrations is a big change for the people. Deshpande says, “The big pandals have forfeited from having big idols and there is going to be no pandal hopping. The shops should not have been opened but some are, selling decor materials but most have resorted to using the available materials.”

Despite the difficulties, she has found a silver lining in these limitations. She says, “Everything has gone back to being simple and sweet. Ganesha is called Vighnaharta and I hope he takes away coronavirus.”