Covid-19 shadow over Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayak Chaturthi is a Hindu festival celebrating the arrival of Ganesh to earth from Kailash Parvat with his mother Parvati.
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayak Chaturthi is a Hindu festival celebrating the arrival of Ganesh to earth from Kailash Parvat with his mother Parvati. The festival celebrations involve fusion of music and dance along with a wide variety of cultural shows. This year the ten-day festival will commence on September 10 and conclude with idol immersion on September 19.
However, amid fears of a possible third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, below is the response of the state governments to the festival celebrations.
Maharashtra
Dahi handi and Ganesh Chaturthi are major festivals in Maharashtra and are celebrated with much fanfare. The ten-day festival, celebrated with great enthusiasm in the state. However, like last year, this year too it’s likely to remain a low-key affair to avoid crowding.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar recently said that the state government will not impose any additional restriction to avoid crowding during Ganesh Chaturthi. However, he added, if violations of Covid-19 norms are seen on the first day of the festival, stringent curbs will be imposed from the next day.
In a meeting held on August 23, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray urged organisers of the dahi handi festival to prioritise health amid the raging pandemic and set aside festivities for a while.
Tamil Nadu
The Ganesh Chaturthi is expected to be a low key affair, similar to last year. While people can individually immerse Ganesh idols in seas, processions are not allowed. The Tamil Nadu government relaxing the ban for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations said that small temples can be open on the day of Chaturthi. The state government said that devotees can leave Ganesha idols outside small temples. The state will take responsibility for immersing idols in water bodies.
Meanwhile, the government directed district administrations to take ‘appropriate measures’ based on the prevalence of the virus in their respective districts.
Karnataka
Karnataka government issues fresh guidelines for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations amid Covid-19 pandemic. The state government decided to allow Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in districts where the positivity rate is less than 2 per cent, with a set of restrictions, which will remain in place for five days.
Karnataka’s revenue minister R Ashok said that the government is allowing the festival with restrictions. There will be no procession orchestra, no DJ. The Covid-19 vaccination is mandatory wherever the Ganapathi festival is being held, he added.
The move to allow public celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi comes at a time when Karnataka’s new Covid-19 infections appear to have stabilized but the threat of the virus remains just as potent as the first two waves.
Andhra Pradesh
Keeping the festive season in mind, especially the Ganesh Chaturthi, the Andhra Pradesh government has decided to continue the 11 pm- 6 am night curfew. Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy recently chaired the review meeting at his camp office and took stock of the Covid-19 situation in the state.
The Chief Minister directed the authorities to ensure the precautionary measures are being followed. He instructed the officials to ensure that Covi-19 protocols such as social distancing, and wearing of masks, are strictly followed in all educational institutions, and public places.
However, the festival is the latest flashpoint between the state government and opposition parties. Trouble has been brewing ever since the state government decided to not allow public celebrations for the 21-day festival.
Goa
Keeping the Covid-19 pandemic in mind, the Goa government has banned firecrackers, processions ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
Public gathering/celebrations/arthis at public places shall be limited to 50 per cent capacity or as per the State government SOP. As per the official communication, there shall be strict adherence to the social distancing norms.
No celebration in any form shall be allowed in contaminated zones, if any. Also, the immersion of idols within the Panaji jurisdiction shall be in the notified areas only. The mayor also informed that only 2-3 members of each house shall be allowed for the immersion of the idols.
Telangana
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) launched a massive exercise across the State capital for the smooth conduct of the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
As the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close with the sighting of the crescent moon and the month-long fasting from sunrise to sunset comes to an end, Eid-ul-Fitr, the first day of the month of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar, is celebrated with much enthusiasm.
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8 months ago
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April 11, 2024
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The joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr is finally here as most of the Indian states are celebrating one of the most important Muslim festivals today on April 11 upon sighting of the crescent moon on April 10. Festivities are in air as Muslims gear up to celebrate the special occasion, eagerly anticipating the joyful reunions with family and friends, the delectable feasts shared with loved ones, and the heartfelt prayers offered in gratitude for the blessings of the past month.
Every Muslim household is decorated beautifully with lanterns, twinkling lights and flowers on this day with people dressing up in their best of clothes to meet relatives and friends and wish them Eid Mubarak! Not to mention the elaborate meal spread consisting of biryani, haleem, kebabs, sheer khurma, meethi sevaiyan that will be enjoyed with family, served to guests and also distributed to poor and needy. Children of the household receive Eidi, a gift or cash from elders in the family.
As the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close with the sighting of the crescent moon and the month-long fasting from sunrise to sunset comes to an end, Eid-ul-Fitr, the first day of the month of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar, is celebrated with much enthusiasm.
Eid Mubarak Quotes
Let us be grateful to Allah for all the love, happiness, compassion and peace we receive throughout these challenging times. Eid Mubarak.
Eid ul Adha is not only about sacrificing an animal before sacrificing, we have to put a knife on your pride, your selfishness, and your ego as well, and slater the animals living inside your heart, our brain, our thoughts and personality, so we can achieve the real meaning of Eid ul Adha, may Allah accept all our good deeds and sacrifice. Happy Eid.
Ask God all you need, Wish you a happy Eid
Let our religions unite us for human kindness rather than dividing us on what we believe. Eid Mubarak.
Happy Easter 2024: Political leaders extend greetings to nation for peace and unity
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes on the occasion of Easter on Sunday and expressed his hope that the message of renewal and optimism associated with the occasion would resonate widely.
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8 months ago
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March 31, 2024
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Easter also known as Pascha or Resurrection Sunday, commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his crucifixion on Good Friday. This Christian festival symbolises the victory of life over death .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes on the occasion of Easter on Sunday and expressed his hope that the message of renewal and optimism associated with the occasion would resonate widely. PM Modi took to X and posted that May this day inspire us all to come together, fostering unity and peace. He wished everyone a joyful Easter.
President Droupadi Murmu also greeted the people on Easter and highlighted the occasion of celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, promotes the spirit of love, hope and universal fraternity. President Droupadi Murmu took to X and posted Easter greetings to all, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters! This pious occasion of celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, promotes the spirit of love, hope, and universal fraternity. May the teachings of Jesus Christ lead us onto the path of peace and harmony.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge took to X and wrote we extend our warmest greetings on the joyous occasion of Easter. The eternal significance of Jesus Christ’s resurrection is that truth triumphs over evil and compassion overcomes hatred. May the festivities strengthen the bonds of unity, amity and fraternity amongst our people and herald a brighter future.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took to X and posted Happy Easter! As you celebrate Easter Sunday with your loved ones, may joy, peace, and hope illuminate the path ahead.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took to X to extend greetings on Easter and wrote Greetings and best wishes to everyone on the joyous occasion of Easter. May this revered day bring new beginnings, hopes and harmony in your life.
Union Minister Kiren Rijju took to X and posted Happy and Blessed Easter to all! Wishing everyone peace, joy and unity.
Good Friday 2024: PM Modi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Mamata Banerjee extend greetings
Good Friday is celebrated as the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion. Devotees attend church services on Good Friday and observe fasting, abstinence, readings centred on the events of Jesus’s crucifixion.
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8 months ago
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March 29, 2024
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Good Friday is observed on Friday preceding Easter Sunday. It is primarily commemorated to honour the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his subsequent death at Cavalry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes on the occasion of Good Friday.
He remembered the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and underscoring lessons of compassion and forgiveness it imparts. He took to X and posted that today, on Good Friday, we remember the profound sacrifice of Jesus Christ. May everyone find lessons of compassion and forgiveness it teaches us.
Union Minister Kiren Rijju also took to X on the occasion and wrote on the auspicious occasion of Good Friday, let’s remember the supreme sacrifice and love that guides us towards compassion, love, forgiveness and unity. May this Good Friday be a time of reflection, renewal, and grace for all.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also joined in and wrote wishing all my Christian Brothers and Sisters a graceful & blessed Good Friday. May this holy day of penance, prayers and Sacrifice inspire us all to live a life of compassion, love and peace.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge wrote wishing you all a blessed Good Friday. May the spirit of compassion, forgiveness, sacrifice and empathy keep guiding our path. Let us imbibe the spirit of humanity, kindness, and peace, amongst us.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took to X and wrote May this Good Friday enrich your lives with love, and enlighten your path with compassion and kindness.
Across the nation, Good Friday was marked by prayers and processions depicting the Stations of the Cross, symbolising the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. According to reports, devotees in Thiruvanthpuram participated in a procession to Saint Joseph’s Cathedral, with Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor among those in attendance.
The observance of Good Friday holds significant importance in the Christian faith, marking the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ at Calvary. It serves as the beginning of Easter weekend, a time of reflection, renewal, and grace for millions around the world.
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