Quepem: Group of families at Deulmal in Quepem created a history when they worshipped Lord Ganesha through online method, while maintaining all the restrictions related to COVID-19.
Purohit, who is popularly called as ‘Bhatmam’ sat at one place airing the rituals through “Google Meet” App, which was beamed in various households, who followed the instructions to worship Lord Ganesha.
Rajiv Sukhatankar, an Architect, who designed this concept, claimed that the entire exercise was successful because the Idol was worshipped and also social distance was maintained.
Deulmal is a small hamlet in Quepem where the families of Chimulkar, Cuncolienkar, Sukhtankar and Faldesai resides. Ganesh Chaturthi is one occasion for these families to re-unit.
The entire idea of Puja through “Google Meet” germinated when there was need to restrict movement of Purohit from visiting all the households.
“When I suggested the idea to Purohit, he agreed. The first trial was done on ‘Tay’, a day before Ganesh Chaturthi,” he said.
Purohit sat in front of a laptop in the house of Sukhatankar and conducted Puja which was accessed by all the families. “Some families had more than one connections so that if there is any connectivity issue, Puja goes on uninterrupted,” Sukhatankar said.
Sharp at 12.30 noon, Purohit started Puja which concluded at 2 pm. At the same time, all the families conducted the ritual.
“It also saved lot of time. Or else, Purohit used to reach to our place by 3.30 pm every year,” Sukhatankar said.
He said that the similar arrangement will continue for ‘Uttar Puja’, that is held when the Idol is taken out for immersion.
Kalash Chimulkar, a youth from one of the families, said that the rituals went on smoothly. “When idea was floated, everyone grabbed it. It was unique way to balance between spirituality and practical requirement to save ourselves from spreading the COVID-19 infection.”
