Mumbai, July 1: A big decision has been taken by Mumbai's Lalbaugcha Raja Ganpati Mandal. They have decided not to keep Ganesh idol this year during the Ganesh Chaturthi 2020 festival, according to reports. The mandal has instead decided to conduct blood donations and plasma therapy drives for all the 11 days. The decision was taken to avoid crowding amid the rising coronavirus numbers in the state.

Sudhir Salvi, Secretary of Lalbaugcha Raja Ganeshotsav Mandal said, "Instead of celebrating Ganeshotsav in a grand way, Labaughcha Raja Mandal will donate the amount to CM's Relief Fund. We will also felicitate families of martyrs who have lost their lives at LOC & LAC."

Mandal to Donate Amount to CM's Relief Fund:

 It was earlier decided that during the eleven-day long Ganeshotsav festival, the idol of Lalbaughcha Raja will be only 4 feet tall.  However, due to the coronavirus outbreak and the rising cases in the city, the Mandal has decided not to keep the Ganapati idol this time. Ganpati Utsav 2020: Mumbai Cha Raja Idol in Lalbaug's Ganesh Gully to be 4-Feet-Tall This Year, Committee Announces to Celebrate Ganeshotsav in a Simple Way Amid COVID-19.

Lalbaughcha Raja Ganpati Mandal Will Not have Ganesh Idol This Year:

Lalbaughcha Raja Ganpati Mandal is one of the most popular Ganpati mandals in the city and every year, it witnesses over 1.5 lakh devotees standing in long queues to catch the glimpse of the idol, which is usually 18-20 feet tall. Maharashtra has the highest number of coronavirus cases with a total of 1,69,883. The death toll has increased to 7,610 in the state so far.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 01, 2020 09:11 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).