Journalism of Courage
People across the country seem to have adapted themselves to the changing times brought about by the pandemic. Traditional festivities have been tweaked, keeping the fervour intact. From limiting visits to pandals to keeping celebrations confined to one's home, here is how people are celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi this year.
The celebrations for Ganesh Chaturthi began today, August 22, 2020. Many people are bringing home idols of Ganesha on the occasion. (Express Photo by Arul Horizon)
Like every year, vendors are selling colourful Ganesh idols, suitable for installation at home. The picture shows people in masks selecting idols for "sthapana" at a market in Ludhiana. (Express Photo by Gurmeet Singh)
In Pune, people stepped out in masks or face covers for buying the Ganesha idol. (Express Photo by Arul Horizon)
The virus has also made it as a theme for Ganesh idols this year, as seen in the picture featuring an idol in Chembur, where the god is portrayed as a COVID-19 warrior. (Express photo by Ganesh Shirsekar)
People in Delhi also stepped out to buy idols for their homes. (Express Photo by Amit Mehra)
A roadside vendor in Panchkula was spotted selling small idols. (Express photo by Jaipal Singh)
In Maharashtra, which usually holds grand celebrations every year, the state government issued guidelines as part of their efforts to scale down festivities. People have been advised to purchase and take home Idols in advance to prevent crowding and the risk of the virus spreading. The height of idols have also been restricted. (Express photo by Amit Chakravarty)
An artist in Lucknow giving a final touch to the idol ahead of the celebrations. (.Express photo by Vishal Srivastav)
An artisan in Kumartuli, the famous potters colony in north Kolkata, was spotted giving last minute touches. Not just the pandemic, the area also suffered widespread destruction due to Amphan cyclone this year in May. The artists have received very few orders this festive season. (Express photo by Partha Paul)
