Surat’s Daliya Sheri Ganesha festival turns tepid this year

SURAT: It’s not the usual festive atmosphere in Daliya Sheri this Ganesha festival. The pandal of Mahidharpura Daliyasheri Pragati Mandal here has become a landmark with its glittering celebrations representing the glory of sparkling diamond business. What’s more, even Lord Ganesha is not wearing the traditional iconic diamond and precious metal jewelleries it is famous for!
Devoid of specialised security arrangements, security guards and CCTV cameras the hustle and bustle in the narrow lane in Mahidharpura’s diamond hub is starkly missing this year, thanks to the subdued celebrations in Covid times.
A much smaller idol has been installed and more so, it is installed in a private place where visitors are not allowed.
Every year, the pandal installs a nearly nine feet tall idol adorned with synthetic diamond studded gold and silver jewellery. Over 1.5 lakh synthetic diamonds are studded in jewellery made of precious metal added with a silver mouse weighing two kilos.
Around 25 security guards were employed to guard the pandal that was kept under CCTV surveillance round the clock on all 10 days. The organisers have earlier received an insurance cover as donation for over Rs 1.5 crore for the pandal, which witnessed gathering of more than 10,000 devotees daily.
“This time there are no festivities and a small Ganesha idol is installed in the parking area of a building. Only a handful of people perform the prayers daily,” said Harshit Patel, one of the organisers.
“We have to follow the government’s guidelines to prevent the spread of Covid-19,” said Gaurav Jariwala, one of the organisers who is under quarantine.