This year it would be a low key Ganesh Chathurthi in this part of the country as the government has barred installation of idols in public and immersion of idols in the sea in view of the Covid-19 lockdown.
Also, the Tamilnadu government has appealed to the general public, school and college students and the elderly people not to attend the 74th Independence Day celebrations at Fort St George in the city and in all district headquarters to prevent spread of coronavirus.
Ganesh Chathurthi falls on 22 August and idols of the Elephantine God would not be allowed to be installed in public places to prevent spread of the virus. Also processions and rallies carrying the idols and immersing them in water bodies and sea are not allowed.
The government appealed to the people to celebrate the festival from their homes and urged to adopt safety measures like wearing of masks and maintaining social distancing while venturing out to buy pooja items and
other items for the festival.
On Independence Day, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami will hoist the National Flag at the ramparts of Fort St. George in the city. An official release said taking into account their age factor, instructions had been given to the District Collectors to visit the residences of ten freedom fighters in their respective districts and honour them with shawls by following public health advisories. This corona outbreak has restricted all celebrations. Hope things may change soon.