Subdued Celebrations At Mumbai's Lalbaugcha Raja Amid Covid Restrictions

Ganesh Chaturthi 2021: The celebrations at the famous Lalbaugcha Raja pandal are muted, as the darshan (holy view) has gone virtual.

Amid strict COVID-19 restrictions in Mumbai, the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at the famous Lalbaugcha Raja pandal are muted, as the darshan (holy view) has gone virtual. Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) has been imposed from September 10 to 19 as a precautionary measure, banning the gathering of people, to curb the transmission of the virus. The police stuck notices outside the pandal that read, "No devotees allowed to go for prayers." The lane outside the pandal wore a deserted look as devotees were not permitted at the venue. Huge contingent of security personnel were lined up outside the venue to maintain the law and order situation. The pandal authorities and some priests were present inside the venue. They offered prayers to lord Ganesh while following COVID protocols.