Panaji: Amidst the fears of COVID19, Ganesh Chaturthi was celebrated in the State in much restricted way to avoid spread of the virus.
The ten day long festival began on Saturday in the coastal state, which has a tradition of worshipping Ganesh Idol in the homes.
This is also a homecoming for many people, who are away from their native to eke out their living.
Ganesh Chaturthi, however, is being celebrated in a restricted way due to COVID-19 outbreak in the coastal state.
Goa government has issued Standard Operating Procedures for celebrating Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav.
“Many people are preferring to have online Puja with Purohit performing the rituals through mobile Apps,” said Kalash Chimulkar, a residence of Quepem in South Goa.
He said that the Purohit performed rituals in one of the house which was telecasted across other households, who simultenously followed it.
The cities wore deserted look as people preferred to travel back to their natives.
“But it was is unwritten agreement that no one will visit each others’ place for this Chaturthi to avoid spreading of the virus,” said Devendra Gaonkar from Velus in Sattari of North Goa.
Gaonkar, a journalist by profession and living in Velus village, stated that all the households performed rituals without Purohit.
“In whatever way possible, people performed rituals. Next year, we have decided to hold the festival in a grand way,” he said.
At several places, Sarvajanik Ganotsav Mandals have put up their pandals but have decided to cancel, all the entertainment programmes.
“People will stand in a queue with social distancing. Pray before God and then move on. They wont be allowed to stay in the pandal for more time,” said Tukaram Naik, a trustee of Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav at Ponda.
