Written by Lipika B. Nabajya
Edited by Himanshi Shivani
India seems to have adapted itself to the changing times brought about by the horrid and sudden pandemic. Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the major traditional festivities in India and Indians kept the fervor intact even amidst the current circumstance. Limited visits to pandals and keeping the celebrations confined to one's home were among the few guidelines imposed. However, people were still seen celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi with the same enthusiasm and vigor this year as always.
The celebrations for Ganesh Chaturthi began on August 22, 2020. Many people were seen bringing home idols of Ganesh to their homes and pandals respectively.
Like every year, vendors were seen selling colorful Ganesh idols, however, the size of the idols was remarkably reduced, especially suitable for installation at home.
The notorious virus also contributed as a theme for Ganesh idols this year, as seen at Chembur, where the god is portrayed as a COVID-19 warrior. People in Delhi also stepped out to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with great zeal and enthusiasm.
Roadside vendors and the daily wedged workers were the worst affected during the pandemic. However, the roadside vendors appeared selling Ganpati idols, fruits, flowers, and other requirements with the same enthusiasm.
In Maharashtra where the celebrations are the grandest every year witnessing huge idols, celebrated the festive occasion with smaller and restricted sized idols, but the enthusiasm and vigor continued to be as it has always been. The state government guidelines were followed keeping the tradition and fervor intact.
Kolkata had a different story to say this year. Not just the pandemic, but the state also suffered widespread destruction due to the Amphan cyclone earlier this year in May. The artists of Kamartuli, the porters' colony, situated in North Kolkata admitted to having received very few orders this festive season.
Despite everything, we have to keep faith that light will continue to flicker in our hearts even amidst the darkest of times and with His blessing, we will survive this nightmarish pandemic and humanity shall prevail again.
God is never late but on time.
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