Vakratunda Vignaharta Ganeshaaa-Your Blessing will make the world Coronavirus free.

Vakratunda Vignaharta Ganeshaaa-Your Blessing will make the world Coronavirus free🙏.

The celebrations for Ganesh Chaturthi began on August 22, 2020. Many people are bringing home idols of Ganesha on the occasion.People across the country seem to have adapted themselves to the changing times brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Like every year, vendors are selling colourful Ganesh idols, suitable for installation at home. People in masks are selecting idols of their choices. The virus has also made it as a theme for Ganesh idols this year, as seen in the picture in the internet, where the god is portrayed as a COVID-19 warrior.

Several community puja organisers were switched to the digital mode to enable people have 'darshan' of idols on Ganesh Chaturthi. Many organisers imposed restrictions on the entry of visitors to curb the spread of Covid-19.

The 10-day Ganesh festival began on Saturday under the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic, with devotees restricting celebrations to their homes and using online platforms to get 'darshan' of the Lord at temples, amid strict COVID-19 restrictions imposed by governments.

The festival, which begins with grand processions and collective prayers at decked up pandals, this year lacked its usual pomp and show, with the Centre and state governments restricting mass gatherings and movement in the wake of the pandemic.

Amidst the Covid-19 crisis, technology has come handy for devotees and pandals who are using social media to offer virtual darshan of Lord Ganesh during the 10-day festival which began on Saturday. Many families are using various applications to connect with their family members and friends, as the viral outbreak has restricted physical movements of people.

Millions of people cutting across religious lines, warmly welcomed the popular elephant-headed God, Lord Ganesha, amid the clouds of the Covid-19 pandemic and torrential rain on Saturday. Though the usual frenzy, glitter and glam were missing, it was sufficiently balanced by the people's enthusiasm as they looked forward to the cheerful 'Vignaharta' (Remover of Obstacles) answering their prayers and setting humanity free from the coronavirus.

As the 10-day long Ganesh festival celebrations started on Saturday in a muted manner. People brought home Ganesh idols as part of the festival, however, the normal celebratory mood was missing.