COVID-19 moves Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Bengaluru to social media

Bengaluru’s long-awaited Ganesh Utsav will go online this year for the first time in its 58-year-old history. It has been reported that the upcoming edition of the fest will be shown live on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, starting August 22 to September 1.

A statement issued by Shree Vidyaranya Yuvaka Sangha states that Lord Ganesha worship will take place at Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy temple’s mandap in Basavanagudi. The puja and the cultural programmes will be telecasted live on social media. Devotees will be permitted to visit the mandap with due social distancing and safety norms.
Reportedly, the cultural programmes to be held this year include non-stop music for 12 hours on the evolution of Indian music, a live concert by Vijay Prakash, a folk music concert by the Raghu Dixit Project and so on.
Nandish SM, managing trustee of the utsav, was reported by a news daily as saying that the committee has worked towards polishing the soul of the festival culturally and spiritually. However, they shall also abide by the safety guidelines issued by the government in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic. The act of taking Ganeshotsav live on social media will not only keep the festive spirit alive but also give a stage to artists and musicians to showcase their talent and add cheer to the fest during the gloomy times.
In addition, news has it that BBMP has prohibited sale of meat on Ganesh Chaturthi day. In Karnataka, Ganesh Chaturthi is the oldest and biggest cultural festival.