Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB/EP)

Udupi, Aug 21: The government has given permission for celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi amid coronavirus while also following certain restrictions. Only a few committees have received permission to celebrate the festival. Though festivals are lined up after Nagara Panchami, those have become subtle in the current conditions.

Movement of people has been less since the beginning of lockdown which came into force five months ago. However, with time people seem to have forgotten the fear that surrounded the virus. Although festivals have turned modest, people continued to be in a festive mood despite the scare of the virus in Udupi on Friday.

People were seen enthusiastically rushing to buy a variety of flowers, fruits and vegetables and sugarcane. Traders had also arrived from different districts on Wednesday itself.

The rule of social distancing was completely ignored by the shoppers as they hopped from one shop to another. The frequent rain was also causing issues to the traders in conducting their trade smoothly.

Permission to keep Ganapathi idols in 451 public places was given last time. Meanwhile, 422 applications requesting permission have been received this year. Committees have agreed to celebrate the festival as per government guidelines. They have agreed to celebrate without pomp and gaiety. Mainly religious rituals have been permitted and the responsibility to permit them is vested in panchayats and municipal councils.