The pandemic got the whole world to a standstill. With lockdown and restrictions, many activities and celebrations came to a halt as well. From festivals, to large gatherings where communities would come together and share their happiness with fervour. Another iconic event has been added to the list. For the first time since 1994, the 21-kg laddu will not be auctioned in Balapur this year.
The 21-Kg Laddu Will Not Be Auctioned For The First Time In Nearly 25 Years
Every year, a 21-kg laddu is auctioned at Balapur. The ritual is done on the 11th day of the Ganesh puja, which is then followed by a procession to the Hussain Sagar Lake in Hyderabad. According to news reports, last year, the laddu auction fetched ₹17.60 lakhs. The laddu prasad is was an attraction for many who would come to visit the pandal during the mahotsav. Each year, the bid would increase and the highest bidder would get take the laddu prasad home.
Also read: Nagaland’s Iconic Hornbill Festival May Not Happen This Year
Devotees Will Not Be Allowed To Visit The Pandal During The Festivities
Keeping the social distancing rules in mind, some strict measures have been put in place. The Balapur Ganesh Utsav Samithi has decided that no devotees will be allowed to come and visit the pandal during the festivities. Only the committee members will be allowed to participate in the installation and puja of the idol. They have also decided that the idol will only be 6-feet tall instead the usual of 21-feet. Similar measures have been taken in Mumbai too, to tone down the celebrations amid pandemic.
Also read: No Amarnath Yatra For The First Time In 150 Years, Aarti To Be Broadcasted Live
Mumbai’s Ganesh Festivities Have Been Postponed To Feb 2021
According to news reports, the Goud Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) community and 21 Ganesh mandals of Khetwadi have decided against celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in 2020. But, they will be celebrating it next year on Maghi Ganesh Chaturthi, which is also Lord Ganesha’s birthday. In year 2021, it will be falling on February 15. Because of the lockdown rules, the committee feels that it will become extremely difficult for them to manage huge crowds. They want to be sure that the festivities do not flout any rules or regulations and the devotees who come to visit, along with the committee members, are all safe.
Also read: 9 Big Celebrations In India That Have Been Cancelled In 2020
The world did not get a chance to celebrate many things this year. Hopefully, next year will not be the same, and we will get a chance to get together with our loved ones and thank God in all its glory.