Famous Ganesh mandals which will skip pandal festivities this year due to COVID-19

Wadala GSB Mandal

Goud Saraswat Brahmin Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samiti of Wadala,  announced its decision to postpone its Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations to February 2021 due to the outbreak of Covid-19. Popularly known as GSB Wadala, the mandal’s 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations are extremely popular. The 66-year-old GSB Wadala is considered one of the richest mandals in the city and sees a footfall of 8,000 devotees per day.

Lalbaugcha Raja

For the first time in the history of Lalbaughcha Raja, Lord Ganpati’s idol will not be established due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Mumbai’s Lalbaughcha Raja Ganeshotsav Mandal has decided not to hold Ganeshotsav this time in wake of the coronavirus pandemic and would instead set up a blood donation camp. Lalbaugcha Raja is among the most popular and most visited Ganesh idols in the city and it is also known for fulfilling wishes of the people. Lalbaughcha Raja witnesses over 1.5 lakh devotees flocking the neighbourhood area and standing in long queues to catch a glimpse of the 18-20 feet tall idol. The turnout sees a wide array of celebrities including film personalities, politicians, sportspersons and industrialists.

Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati

In view of the COVID-19 situation in Pune district, the renowned Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati temple, in a break with a 127-year-old tradition, will not hold public ceremonies during the Ganesh Chathurthi festival. This year, the temple will install the idol inside the temple, will not accept any offerings from devotees in the form of flowers, fruits, sweets and coconuts and will not distribute any prasad, in keeping with hygiene and safety protocols. The mandal has traditionally attracted many celebrities over the years, from Bollywood families such as the Bachchans and Kapoors, to politicians and corporate bigwigs. 

Chinchpoklicha Chintamani 

After the G.S.B Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal and Lalbaugcha Raja cancelled the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, another big mandal Chinchpoklicha Chintamani has decided to forgo the festival in wake of the COVID-19 crisis.The move comes after Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray requested Ganesh Mandals in Mumbai to opt for shorter idols and keep the pandals smaller.