PUNE: Augmented reality for ensuring a live experience of aarti, online darshan facility and no pandals will characterise the low-key Ganeshotsav celebrations planned by the Manache Ganapati mandals in the city in view of the possible third wave of Covid-19.
This will be the second consecutive year that the city mandals would engage in low-key celebrations.
Office-bearers of Shrimant Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati Trust said no separate pandal and decorations were planned during the 10-day festival. “We will celebrate the festival at the temple without big celebrations. The online darshan facility will be made available. The trust is also introducing augmented reality to give a life-like experience of the aarti to the devotees. Flowers, coconuts or prasad will not be accepted from devotees. Only priests and a handful of officials involved in performing the rituals will enter the temple,” said Ashok Godse, head of the trust.
Shrikant Shete of Kasba Ganapati Mandal said all the protocols and guidelines by the government would be followed during the festival. “We will continue with daily puja and rituals, but without the presence of devotees. There will online programmes,” Shete said.
Keshav Neurgaonkar, secretary of Shri Tambdi Jogeshwari Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, said a webinar was planned during the festival on social issues. “The mandal will distribute food grains to those adversely affected during the pandemic,” Neurgaonkar said.
Vivek Khatavkar of Tulshibaug Ganapati said a series of online lectures and interviews were planned. Pravin Pardeshi of Guruji Talim mandal said the devotees had been urged to use the online platform to offer prayers.
The Bhau Rangari Ganesh Mandal has announced an online cultural festival during the Ganeshotsav featuring vocalist Anand Bhate and tabla maestro Vijay Ghate, among others.
