Belagavi
The city is preparing to celebrate the Ganesh festival with renewed enthusiasm this year. In contrast to last year’s subdued festivities due to drought, this year’s ample rainfall has revived the celebratory spirit. Markets are bustling with activity as residents purchase puja materials and decorative items.
Unlike Maharashtra, where Ganesh festival is also celebrated, the city’s observances are particularly vibrant. Popular areas such as Ganapati Galli, Raviwara Pete, Khadebazar, and Maruti Galli in Belgaum were notably crowded.
The preparation involves an array of decorative items, including clothes garlands, pearl garlands, and plastic flower decorations. Shoppers are also buying pooja essentials like candles, oil, camphor, turmeric, kumkum, vermilion, and incense, alongside fruit trays and various electrical decorations such as LED lights and sound systems.
Shweta Akasha Sogali, a resident of Dubai, expressed her excitement about the festival, mentioning that her family had purchased lighting and flowers to decorate their Ganesh Mandap.
Flowers for the Ganesha idol are being sold in bundles for Rs 50, while vendors offer mixed fruit trays for Rs 150 each to meet the festive demands. The city’s preparations reflect a vibrant and enthusiastic approach to this year’s Ganesh celebrations.
