Ganesh Chaturthi 2020: The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi marks the birth of the Hindu god Lord Ganesha. It is believed he first come into being in the Chaturthi of Bhadrapada. In Hindu calendar Bhadra or Bhadrapada corresponds to the month of August/September. Lord Ganesh is worshipped as Vighnaharta as he is known as the remover of obstacles. He is also considered as the Sukh Karta or the doer of good and Dukh Harta or the one who eliminates sorrow. Because of these qualities, Ganesh is the first one to be worshipped or Pratham Pujaniya before every auspicious occasion. Worshippers usually offer prayers to Lord Ganesh, before starting a new venture, marriage or even entering a new home (Griha Pravesh).

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One of the highlights of the day is the preparation of modaks, which are sweet dumplings made of freshly grated coconut and jaggery. It is considered to be Ganesha’s favourite and he is also known as modakapriya. These sweets are mentioned in the Puranas and there are some legends associated with it.

Another big aspect of the occasion is the installation of clay idols at home or even in public spaces. This year dues to the coronavirus pandemic several restrictions have been put on this ritual. For example in Mumbai the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), brought out guidelines last month saying that only 5 persons will be allowed to participate in the immersion rituals of Ganesh idols during the Ganpati festival. The "Lalbaugcha Raja", the biggest draw of Mumbai's 11-day Ganesh festival, was also cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The organisers of the Lalbaug celebrations, decided last month to cancel the event as Maharashtra continued to be the worst Coronavirus-hit state across the country.