Team Herald
PANJIM: The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) has decided not to allow the annual fair of Gokulashtami cum Ganesh Chaturthi in the city in wake of rising COVID-19 cases.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
City Mayor Uday Madkaikar has also appealed to Panjimites to have a low-key Ganesh Chaturthi festival celebration that ensures no crowding which, could lead to the spread of the virus.
Addressing media persons on Thursday, Madkaikar announced that this year, the Gokulashtami fair will not be allowed in the capital city.
The fair, held along the promenade opposite the City municipal market, has been a major attraction as people throng to buy various items for the festival season.
The ten-day long annual fair, on an average used to have 200 stalls including those selling furniture, traditional kitchen items, wooden items, clothes, etc.
“The decision has been taken in view of COVID pandemic,” Madkaikar said.
Also, the Corporation has in-principle decided not to allow Ganesh festival immersions on a large scale. “We appeal to people to make it a low-key affair. Police force would be deployed at immersion points to ensure that only two-three members per Ganesh idol are allowed at the site,” he said.
The Mayor has also appealed to the people not to hold the Ganesh procession, which is held otherwise during the immersion time.
Also, Sarvajanik Ganesh mandals may celebrate the festival with smaller-sized idols instead of the traditional big ones, he added.
