Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru/Udupi

Mangaluru/Udupi, Sep 13: The coastal districts are enveloped in a festive spirit as preparations for the Ganesha festival reach their peak. With the festival coinciding with the weekend, the resulting three-day holiday has further amplified the enthusiasm among the public.

The celebrations will commence on Sunday with the Gauri festival, followed by the installation of Ganesha idols on Monday, marking the official beginning of Ganeshotsava. Meanwhile, the police and environment departments have issued guidelines to ensure eco-friendly celebrations across the region.

Various temples and public Ganeshotsava committees have finalized their arrangements. Idol makers are busy adding the final touches to the deities. The construction of pandals, welcome arches, and decorative lighting is in the final stages. In several places, the idols will be brought to the festival venues in grand processions on Sunday evening or night.

The festival will be celebrated with equal fervour in homes, public committees, and various organisations. This year, several public committees are focusing on celebrating the idol installation ceremony with the same grandeur usually reserved for the immersion processions. Gana homa and other special rituals are scheduled to be held in Ganesha temples on Monday, while special poojas for the Gauri festival will take place in households on Sunday.

The festive mood has also brought a massive rush to the local markets. The sale of flowers, sugarcane, fruits, pooja materials, banana stems, and 'moode' leaves is in full swing. Flower vendors from neighbouring districts have set up camp in various parts of the twin cities. With families stepping out together due to the holiday, the demand for vegetables and groceries for the festive feasts has also seen a significant surge.