Vinayaga Chathurthi was celebrated across Tamil Nadu with usual fervour on Saturday, although the trademark large idols of the elephant God were missing this year in lines with a government directive in the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thiruchirapalli:
Chief Minister K Palaniswami held prayers at his residence in his native Salem, strictly following COVID-19 protocols — social distancing and wearing mask — with his family.
The Tamil Nadu government had appealed to the people to confine the celebrations to their homes.
On Saturday, citizens turned up in good numbers to buy clay idols of the Lord to conduct puja at homes and in some places were seen compromising on social distancing norms.
Ahead of the festival, the Hindu Munnani, which is instrumental in organising the Vinayaga Chathurthi festival and immersion, had appealed to the people to celebrate the Pillaiyar (as the Lord is known) Chaturthi safely due to the pandemic.
Governor Banwarilal Purohit and Chief Minister K Palaniswami greeted people on the occasion.