Many prominent Ganeshotsav mandals in Mumbai are now deciding against celebrating the festival on August 22, 2020. As COVID-19 shows no sign of stopping as yet, Mumbai’s famous Ganeshotsav mandals are now looking forward to February, 2021 for celebrating the festival.

According to reports, the Goud Saraswat Brahmin Community, along with 21 Ganesh mandals from Khetwadi have decided to postpone the festival until February 15, 2021. According to a report by a leading newspaper in the city, the working president of the Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti has confirmed that the mandals will celebrate in February, 2021.

February is a chosen month for the festival, as it is the month of Lord Ganesha’s birthday. The festival will be held on February 15, which is known as Maghi Ganesh Jayanti. Ganesh Chaturthi is usually celebrated sometime around August-September, but this time, the pandemic scare has caused the festival organisers to rethink. The festival is usually celebrated with great fanfare, as the whole of Maharashtra comes together to celebrate this auspicious occasion. With social distancing in mind, the celebration of this festival in the month of August would not be a great idea.

Mumbai might still witness some celebrations, as those who decide to go ahead with the festivities this August, will be doing so following strict rules. The celebrations will have to be quieter than other years, and the idols must be less than 3 ft in height. Also, it has been reported that people must not be forced to donate money for the festivals as many have lost their jobs during this pandemic. Also, no grand immersions will be seen on the streets of Mumbai, as idol immersion will have to be done by only four people.