PANJIM: Lord Ganesha was bid adieu by devotees as many families celebrated the festival that commenced on September 10 for one and half days.
Various immersion points were set up by the local bodies within their respective jurisdictions, however, despite an appeal to ensure COVID-19 appropriate behaviour is followed, the norms were ignored at some places, though followed in others. Similarly, curfew restrictions were also flouted at several places while processions were held till the immersion points and fire crackers were burst at several places.
Nevertheless there were also places where staggered timing of visarjan was followed and COVID-19 norms were observed.
The government that had issued standard operating procedures later withdrew the SOPs for Ganesh Chaturthi keeping in view sentiments of the people. Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant had urged people to ensure social distancing, masks, and no crowding due to the pandemic.
In a message to citizens, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane also requested the people to maintain social distancing and wear mask in a united war against Covid.
Interestingly, many Ganesh Visarjan areas were beautified and some inaugurated by local leaders right from Chief Minister Sawant to legislators.
Visarjan sheds and platforms were also set up. With the 2022 Assembly elections five months away, the State political parties including sitting and past MLAs are leaving no stone unturned to reach out to the people of Goa.
At Miramar, devotees who arrived for immersion were taken by surprise by oily tar balls on the beach. The sticky tar balls troubled not only devotees during the immersion of the Ganesha idols but also visitors enjoying a walk. It also left stains on the soles of the feet and skin even as sources said it is a usual scene during the pre-monsoon and rains.