jaipur the usual serpentine queues makeshift shops selling ganeshas paraphernalia and pavements filled with idols were missing this ganesh chaturthi due to covid restrictions on religious gatherings and processions the citys biggest ganesh temple at moti doongri wore a deserted look with only the priest being allowed to perform rituals and ceremonies even at homes the fanfare of installing idols of lord ganesh with sweets flowers and special dishes were a lowkey affair the temple attracts a sea of devotees every year to mark the day the temple administration has made the online darshan but the number of takers for virtual darshan was fewer than expected we have been strictly following all guidelines set by the state government the temple continues to remain closed but we tried to provide darshan to the devotees through live streaming even prasad was distributed in very limited numbers by our volunteers at the corners of the temple i urge all devotees to stay safe and calm and they are invited for darshan after all restrictions were over said mahant kailesh sharma priest of moti doongri temple the prominent temples in the city ganesh temple moti doongri gad ganesh temple nahar ke ganeshji lal doongri ganeshji parkote wale ganeshji siddivinayak ganeshji and jhandewale ganeshji were illuminated with lights and lamps but the absence of devotees had dampened the spirit of the festival the makeshift markers around all these temples selling modak laddus and chunari were seen in limited numbers customers have reduced by 90 as they purchased only flowers garlands idols lamps and sweets the sales were way below expectations said madan lal a salesman outside moti doongri templethe absence of ganesh pandals at different parts of the city left devotees to celebrate the festival at their homes artisans were seen disappointed to see no takers for bigsize idols those who bought idols plan to immerse it at their homes my daughters suggested immersing the idol in a new bucket which is environment friendly it seems we have to downsize the festivities until the pandemic is over said pankaj sharma a resident at vaishali nagar