Preparations were in full swing in Goa for the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, which will be celebrated with great pomp and show after two years of Covid hiatus.
The 11-day long festival, Ganesh Chaturthi, will starts today this year and conclude with devotees bidding farewell to Lord Ganesha by immersing idols in water on September 9.
NO COVID RESTRICTIONS
The State government last month announced the withdrawal of Covid-19 restrictions on the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations starting August 31.
For the last two years, the government has imposed restrictions owing to the COVID19 pandemic, and thus the celebrations were muted.
All over Goa, Chaturthi celebrations are underway after having installed idols of Lord Ganesh in their homes. Some may keep the idol for one and a half days, while others may do it for five, nine or eleven days. However, no matter how short or how long the idols remain in each house, the festival is celebrated with great pomp and fervour.
Markets across Goa saw a huge rush for last-minute shopping.
Police ask mandals to take precautions
Goa Police informed that a special meeting was called in all police stations recently to sensitise the mandals on do’s and don’ts.
Police have directed the committees to install CCTV cameras, fire extinguishers, and separate
entry and exit gates for the people visiting the pandal for darshans.
The police have also directed that security guards be deployed 24 by 7 to avoid any untoward incidents.
Police assure senior citizens.
After a spate of thefts in the last one month, the police have assured senior citizens and others on security.
They also said that police are doing regular patrolling and are always active and available for their help in distress for senior citizens.
They were also told to call 100 if they feel any wrong thing is happening or in case of any problem they face. Police have even shown the preparedness and willingness to help deliver essential goods for the senior citizens who stay alone and cannot move out.