From plasma-donation pandals to a ‘one-ward, one-Ganpati’ policy, Mumbai has altered their Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations for 2020. We find out how the megacity is inviting the lovable elephant-God to their homes in the COVID-19 world. By Bayar Jain
Come Ganesh Chaturthi, and Mumbai ordinarily dons itself with a riot of colours, cacophonous symphonies of visarjan, and a friendly competition between pandals boasting of the ‘best’ Ganpati idols. This year, the celebrations take an interesting turn. This year, not even His mighty trunk could blow off the wrath of the pandemic, in turn forcing Mumbaikars to alter their festivities in 2020. Here’s how the Hindu festival will pan out in Mumbai this year.
1. Lal Baugcha Raja Turns Into A Blood-Donation Camp
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From Chandrayaan inspired idols to mammoth 15-feet tall statues, the idol at Lal Baugcha Raja is often considered the talk of the town every year. This year, however, the 80-plus-year-old pandal has decided to adapt to the situation and establish blood donation camps, instead (according to DNA). This year, the report states, plasma therapy drives will also be conducted throughout the 11-day festival.
2. ‘One-Ward, One-Ganpati’ Policy In Andheri
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According to Mumbai Mirror, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has urged residents of Andheri (West) to adopt 13 community (one for each electoral ward) pandals instead of the usual common one. In doing so, the authorities hope to bifurcate crowds that would accumulate in one place while also allowing for celebrations to continue. If successful, the same might be adopted in other parts of the city, states the report.
3. Aartis In A Room For The City’s Oldest Pandal
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Brushing aside pandemic woes, the city’s oldest Ganpati pandal, Shree Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Sanstha, is hoping to celebrate its 128th year, albeit with precautions. As per India Today, a 160-square-foot room will be housing the historic idol this year, where only two members will perform the aarti. Devotees who visit can see the idol on a green screen placed at the entrance of the house to prevent overcrowding.
4. Dedicated Artificial Ponds In South Mumbai’s Housing Societies
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While communal visarjans are prohibited in Mumbai this year, keeping public safety in mind, The Free Press Journal reports that BMC has created dedicated artificial ponds for the housing societies of south Mumbai. Currently, only five such ponds have been created at August Kranti Maidan in August Kranti; Vasantdada Patil Udyaan at Tardeo; SM Joshi Kridangan at Malabar Hill; Glider lane at Dr DB Marg; and Angrewadi at Girgaon.
5. Online Slot-Booking for Visarjans
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By the looks of it, even Ganpati couldn’t resist the lure of modern technology! According to The Times of India, civic wards around Mumbai have taken the digital route to enable devotees in booking time slots for visarjan. An app has reportedly been introduced to streamline this process, in effect reducing crowds at the water bodies, particularly at Girgaum Chowpatty, a preferred immersion spot for many. The report further states that people residing in Thane can even handover their idols to civic authorities who will undertake the immersions for them.
Related: Ganesh Chaturthi Will Miss Mumbai’s Lalbaugcha Raja This Year Due To The Pandemic
