Smaller idols and pandals, low-key celebrations in Maharashtra on Ganesha Chaturthi this year

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has requested Ganesha Chaturthi Mandals in Mumbai to go for smaller idols and keep the pandals smaller in size for the upcoming Ganesha Chaturthi festival.

A meeting was held between the CM and representatives of Ganesha Mandals, which hosts public celebrations of Ganesha Chaturthi festival. According to a statement given by the CM’s office, a thorough discussion was held about organising the celebrations during the times of Coronavirus pandemic.
The festival is due to start on August 22, 2020.

Reportedly, Thackeray appealed to the mandals to consider using shorter idols and also keeping the pandals smaller. Directions were also given about abiding by physical distancing measures and following hygiene norms.
He also spoke about organising awareness programmes about COVID-19, health camps and offering medical facilities. A few days ago, Thackeray had also requested mandals to keep the festivities low-key.

On their part, mandals representatives have accepted the CM’s appeal to follow the rules laid down by the government about the height of the idol, immersion paths etc.

Every year, Ganesha Chaturthi is celebrated in a grand manner in Maharashtra. Small and big homes bring in Ganapati idols to offer worship for a period of 10 days. Huge pandals are set up at public places and temple sites for mass worship. Just like Maharashtra, West Bengal is also looking forward to low-key Durga Puja celebrations, which is the biggest festival of the state.