Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe/Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Sep 12: Preparations to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi on September 13 are in full swing across the city.

Streets of Mangaluru are jammed with flowers, sugar canes and other items that highlight the celebrations. Nearly 30 Ganesh idols were installed in and around Mangaluru. Ganesha idol at Sanghaniketan is the oldest, and Ganesha Chaturthi at Nehru Maidan is considered the best.

Several idols of Lord Ganesh are prepared by refined artists. Devotees gather to install idols and offer Puja at their homes and in public places, in and around the city.

As Ganesha Chaturthi is just around the corner, the central market is packed with people buying festive articles, resulting in congested roads towards the city. But compared to last year, this year the mood of celebration is downbeat.

Experts say that the price hike on essential items is the main reason for the cut down in the celebrations this year. In addition, many organizations and institutions have cancelled grand celebrations and decided to donate the expenses of celebrations to the flood victims Kodagu and Kerala.