Coronavirus stifles Ganesh festival celebrations in Mumbai
Celebrations for the 11-day Hindu festival Ganesh Chaturthi have been scaled down across India amid COVID-19. Authorities have imposed tough restrictions on gatherings and the size of the elephant-headed god's idols.
Hard hit by pandemic
The city of Mumbai is celebrating a very subdued Ganesh festival this year as a result of the health emergency. It is one of India's worst affected cities, with over 1 million coronavirus cases and more than 7,000 deaths.
A vibrant festival
The festival, which is celebrated largely in western and southern India, marks the birthday of Lord Ganesha and usually lasts for 10 days. The 10th day of Visarjan is marked by the submerging of the effigy of the elephant-headed god into a body of water.
In the shadow of COVID-19
Tens of thousands of people gather every year to celebrate. This year, local government authorities put many restrictions in place to avoid mass gatherings and overcrowding, in an effort to ensure that the celebrations do not lead to outbreaks of COVID-19 infections.
Business losses
Small businesses dependent on the festival, such as sculptors, florists and decorators, have suffered huge losses due to the scaling back of festivities this year.
Canceled events
Some pandals (community centers) have decided to cancel celebrations altogether, while others carried out festivities on a much lower scale. Public cultural events, including dance performances, have mostly been canceled this year.
Adhering to health rules
People visiting the deity were instructed to use hand sanitizer and observe physical distancing. Some festival organizers live-streamed their prayers online.
A donation camp
Lalbaugcha Raja, Mumbai's most popular community pandal, decided not to have a Ganesha idol this year. Instead, they organized a blood and plasma donation camp for COVID-19 patients in collaboration with local hospitals.
Dampened mood
This year's restrictions dampened enthusiasm among pandemic-weary locals, but many are optimistic for grander celebrations next year.