COVID-19 effect: Ganesh festival to be a low-key affair globally

Pune: As the coronavirus has brought the world on its knees, the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi which is celebrated across the world will be a low-key affair. The Maharashtra Mandals, including Marathi families who have settled in various foreign countries, will celebrate Ganeshotsav this year as well, though in a low-style grandeur.

Every year, public Ganeshotsav is celebrated by these congregations in various countries around the world. Ongoing lockdowns in some countries bans on religious festivals, and strict regulations have led to restrictions on celebrations. However, people from foreign countries have decided to celebrate the festival with taking all preventive measures amid COVID-19 crisis.

"Different rules apply in different cities in the United States. It is mandatory to keep a distance of six feet between two people and wear a mask when going out. Although Ganeshotsav is not in full swing here, it will be celebrated by the rules properly. Every year I have a Ganpati installation and about 500 people come to Darshan. But this year we are going to bring eco-friendly idols and will perform Aarti through video conferencing app and FB Live”, said Vidya Joshi, Chicago, President Brihanmaharashtra Mandal of North America.

Sachin Kadam who stays in London said, "There are about 7 to 10 Marathi circles in London. All the circles are going to celebrate Ganeshotsav. But it is going to be done in a homely way without having to spend a fortune on the streets. In Ganeshotsav, relatives and friends visit each other's houses to seek blessings. I also have Ganpati for one and a half days. 70 to 80 people come to Darshan but this year the limit is 40 to 45 people. Visits will be allowed at one-hour intervals. Only 8 persons will be admitted at a time.”

"Summer vacation is announced by the government in Qatar. The Indian settled in abroad plan a visit to India for holidays and bring idols for Ganeshotsav. But this year, the corona lockdown has prevented people from going to India. So people will have to make idols from the clay at their house. So some families have brought a permanent metal idol. They are going to worship him. A slight relaxation of the lockdown has allowed five people to go home." Avinash Gaikwad expressed.

With Indians residing in every corner of the world, Ganeshotsav is more like international now.

"We have been running Muscat Marathi Friends for the last five years. This small temple has been built permanently installing a five-metal Ganesha idol. In Ganeshotsav, small idols are installed and worshipped. There is a small hall where religious ceremonies are held. However, religious places have been closed this year due to lockdown. We have demanded the government to allow at least Ganpati to be installed in the temple. But permission has not yet been obtained. How to celebrate Ganeshotsav if lockdown increases and permission is not granted” questions Sandeep Karnik, President, Muscat Marathi Friends Circle.