Mumbai's Siddhivinayak Temple takes Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations virtual

Celebrations for Ganesh Chaturthi have gone virtual once again this year at the world-famous Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai, given the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Priests performed morning aarti on September 10, which was broadcast live on their official temple website and Facebook pages. Devotees were urged to take an online glimpse of the festivities at the temple.

Throughout the day, temple authorities said they would be keeping devotees updated on the festivities being carried out with a live session. The grand celebrations were subdued across the city as Mumbai police imposed Section 144 of the Indian Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) from September 10-19 to curb the coronavirus transmission. No processions of Ganpati are being allowed and more than five persons can't gather at a place, the Mumbai Police Commissioner's office had said.

"We are following all government orders and suggested Covid appropriate behaviour in our temple premises. Devotees are not allowed inside temple premises. Only priests and necessary staff are inside the temple. But we have arranged online darshan of Sri Siddhivinayak through our social media pages," Adesh Bandekar, Chairman of Sri Siddhivinayak Temple Trust, said.

Pre-pandemic, the annual festival is celebrated with much fanfare and pomp in Mumbai and other parts of the state of Maharashtra, with hundred thousands of devotees converging to seek blessings from Lord Ganesh. Last year as well, the festival's celebrations were subdued due to the rampant surge in Covid-19 cases in the state.

Ganesh Chaturthi, a 10-day festival that starts on the fourth day of the Hindu calendar month, commencing this week. Also known as Vinayak Chaturthi, the festival is dedicated to the Lord of new beginnings, Ganesh.

(ANI)