Virtual darshan and low-key celebrations at city’s sarvajanik Ganeshotsav this year

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted almost all celebrations, and the much awaited Ganeshotsav, which will begin on August 22 is no exception. The celebrations at various sarvajanik pandals in the city are expected to be sans the usual pomp and fanfare. For instance, there will be no giant-sized Ganesha idols and elaborate pandal decorations and emphasis will be on the virtual darshan. Dhol tasha pathaks will also not be a part of the immersion processions.
Many popular sarvajanik mandals are getting ready for a simple Ganeshotsav celebration and taking this occasion as a means to raise awareness on safety guidelines amid the crisis.
Safety comes first
Last year, the centenary celebration of Shri Dakshinamurti Swayamsevak Ganeshotsav Mandal had become the talk of the town because of its eclectic line-up of cultural events and grand processions. “Since there will be no social-cultural activities, we don’t expect a large gathering this time. However, we have a team ready to manage the crowd, if need be. While the pandal will be closed during the day, in the evening, only 2-3 people will be allowed at a time to enter the premises. Thermal scans and wearing masks will be mandatory and the premises will be sanitised twice a day. We will have clear demarcations to ensure social distancing as well,” informs Pravin Datke, a member of the mandal, adding, "Since Ganeshotsav is an occasion for people to come together, we will connect people virtually. A few interesting webinars are planned for people of all age groups.”
The festivities at Nagpur Ka Raja will also be toned down. The founder member of the mandal, Deepak Jaiswal says, “We will be installing a miniature version of our idol. We will have all the safety measures in place. At the same time, we are urging devotees to refrain from stepping out of their homes. We will be live-streaming the aarti for everyone on social media.”
Emphasising on virtual darshan
The pandal decorations of Shri Ashtavinayak Bahu-uddeshiya Sanstha will be basic this year. “The idol will be installed in my private plot with simple decoration. We will allow only mandal members inside the pandal during the aarti. The general public won’t be allowed to visit,” says one of the founder members of the mandal, Munna Jaiswal.
The committee members of Bharat Krida Mandal have decided to not to install the Ganesh idol at the usual venue where the footfall exceeds over 10,000 every year. Instead, it will be installed at the residence of one of the members to avoid crowding. “We have also decided to conduct a free eye check-up camp for 100 people. This will be done with prior registrations and participants will be given slots, which will be well spaced out,” informs the president of the mandal Ram Khushlani.
On similar lines, a plasma donation camp will be organised at Rani Laxmibai Ganesh Utsav Mandal at Laxmi Nagar. The mandal is also organising a live virtual music concert, according to the president of the mandal, Amol Joshi.
Dedicated to the corona warriors
Prakash Gajbhiye, a member of Hill Top’s Ekta Ganesh Utav Mandal, is all set to bring in a Ganesha idol donning a doctor’s avatar, at the pandal. He says, “This is a small tribute to the corona warriors. The Ganesha idol will have a complete medical kit. It will be installed inside a small make-shift ‘aarogya’ temple.”
Since we can’t discontinue this age-old tradition, we will install Bappa’s idol in a small room, which will be looked after by the members on a rotational basis. We will also be distributing food grain packets to the needy in the Mahal area.
— Sachin Naik, president of Mahal Ka Raja