The Maharashtra government issued a circular stating that people will not be allowed to visit Ganesh pandals in view of the coronavirus pandemic and only online 'darshan' or telecast from pandals would be allowed
Mumbaicha Raja. Pic/Atul Kamble
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with much pomp and vigour across Maharashtra. This year, the celebrations commenced on September 10 and will go on till September 19. The Maharashtra government issued a circular stating that people will not be allowed to visit Ganesh pandals in view of the coronavirus pandemic and only online 'darshan' or telecast from pandals would be allowed.
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Also Read: Ganesh Chaturthi 2021: Date, timings, history and significance
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) also issued guidelines directing mandals to ensure there is no physical darshan during Ganeshotsav.
The BMC has allowed 10 fully vaccinated members of sarvajanik mandals to be part of the arrival and immersion of the idol but without processions. These members should have completed 15 days period after the second dose as well.
Similarly, for household idols, only five family members who are fully vaccinated and have completed 15 days following the second dose will be allowed to go for the arrival and visarjan.
Here’s how you can do online darshan of the most popular Ganpati pandals.
Lalbaugcha Raja, Mumbai
The Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, which is located in Putlabai Chawl, is the most popular mandals in Mumbai. Every year, lakhs of devotees throng the pandal for darshan. This year, you can do online darshan on www.lalbaugcharaja.com.
Andhericha Raja, Mumbai
Located on Veera Desai Street in Andheri West, Andhericha Raja has ‘Heaven’ as this year’s theme. The Azad Nagar Sarvajanik Utsav Samiti was established in 1966 by the blue collared workers of Golden Tobacco Company, Tata Special Steel and Excel Industries Ltd. These people had moved from the Lalbaug Parel bastion and settled in Andheri west, closer to the factories in which they worked. Online darshan can be done on www.andhericharaja.com.
Khetwadi cha Raja, Mumbai
Decked with gold and diamond ornaments, the Khetwadi Cha Raja is one of the most adorned Ganpati idols. The mandal started public celebration in 1959 and in the earlier days, they collected one rupee as a donation for making the idol. It is known for 40 feet high idol of Ganesh in Parshuram Avtar in the year 2000, claimed to be the highest idol of Ganesh in Indian history. You can do darshan on www.khetwadichaganraj.com.
Chinchpoklicha Chintamani, Mumbai
In 1920, a group of 20 to 25 men got together to start the Chinchpokli Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal. The 101-year Chinchpoklicha Raja of Parel will observe Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in muted manner. People can checl the official Instagram and Facebook page or their official website mazachintamani.com/wp/.
Guruji Talim Ganpati, Pune
Established in 1887, Guruji Talim Ganpati is one of the oldest mandals in Pune. It is located at Ganpati Chowk on Laxmi Street. Devotees can watch the live puja here.
Shri Kasba Ganpati, Pune
Shri Kasba Ganpati mandal is one of the most famous mandals in Pune and is the first Ganpati to be immersed in the city. You can offer prayers through their official website www.kasbaganpati.org.