COVID-19: Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray calls for low-key Ganpati celebration this year

With Ganeshutsav just couple of months away, Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray has a clear message for the people - keep the celebrations very simple in wake of COVID-19 pandemic.

Thackeray has appealed organisers in Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, the coastal Konkan belt and other places in the state to ensure very simple celebrations with people-oriented themes.

"Because of pandemic it would not be possible to allow large crowds in Ganesh pandals...keep the festivities simple," he said.

The high-level video-conference was attended by deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, home minister Anil Deshmukh, ministers of state for home Satej Patil and Shamburaj Desai and Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar.

BrihanMumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti (BSGSS) President Naresh Dahibhavkar, representatives of Ganesh mandals from all over the state and artisans provided their views on the upcoming festival and agreed to abide b the government directives, said a spokesperson.

Thackeray ruled out any massive crowds of devotees or taking out mega-processions for the 'aagaman' (arrival) and 'visarjan' (immersion) ceremonies.