India is a land of festivals. We celebrate many festivals here, in comparison to the other countries of the world. Ganeshotsav or Ganesh Chaturthi is one such festival that is celebrated all across the country with great pomp and joy. Mumbai, the economical capital of India is forefront in the celebration of Ganeshotsav.

However, the recent pandemic of COVID 19 is forcing all the Ganesh Mandals to rethink the way we celebrate Ganeshotsav. With many leading Ganesh Mandals in the city thinking about the celebration, some of them have seemingly taken a decision.




Why we will be celebrating Ganeshotsav in Mumbai in February?

Mumbai’s Ganeshotsav Festival Postponed To Feb 2021

Since there is no reduction in the impact of Coronavirus Outbreak, Ganpati Mandals are coming forward to postpone the festivities. Goud Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) community that plays a leading role in the Ganeshotsav celebration in Mumbai along with 21 other Ganesh Mandals are planning to celebrate it in February 2021.




15th February 2021 is the data when we will be celebrating Maghi Ganesh Chaturthi that happens to be the birthday of Lord Ganesha. Mukund Kamat, the trustee as well as secretary of Wadala GSB Trust hosting the Wadala GSB Ganeshotsav celebrations indicates that controlling & managing the huge crowd will be difficult. Apart from that, it’s necessary to make them follow social distancing norms to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

– This is the sole reason that led them to postpone the celebrations until February 2019.

It is noteworthy that the world-famous Lalbaugcha Raja is yet to take any decision on organizing Ganesh Mahotsav in the city. Most probably, they will be taking any decision by the end of June 2019.




Some Ganesh Mandals may celebrate Ganeshotsav in August

There are also some Ganesh Mandals who will be celebrating Ganeshotsav in August only. However, they have agreed upon certain conditions:

  • The height of Ganesha Idol to be kept below 3 Feet.
  • They will be following Social distancing norms during the celebration.
  • No Grand Visarjan. Only 4 people will be allowed to immerse the Ganesha Idol.

Celebrations are necessary, but this time we should be safe against the pandemic. Let’s hope for the best health and welfare of the people.