The ten-day Ganesh festival, which is celebrated with fervour across Maharashtra, will begin on September 10. Pic/Bopin Kokate

According to the officials, the Mumbai police have started taking action against those people who are found roaming on streets and other public places in the city without face masks amid the coronavirus pandemic. Pic/Bipin Kokate

All Ganpati Mandals in Mumbai have been asked to promote online darshan for devotees to prevent crowds at pandals. Pic/Bipin Kokate

Ganesh mandals have also been told to issue tokens for those wanting to come to the mandal to pay their respects to Ganpati bappa. They have to give five tokens at a time in order to control crowds. Pic/Bipin Kokate

People in Mumbai are seen buying decoration items for the upcoming Ganeshotsav, at Vile Parle East Municipal Market. Pic/Satej Shinde

Stepping up vigil across 13 zones of the city in view of the upcoming Ganeshotsav festivities, the Mumbai police went all out on Thursday and took action against 6,474 people for not wearing masks. Pic/Satej Shinde

The 24 ward-level war rooms of Mumbai are also being prepped to handle any sudden increase in Covid-19 cases post the Ganpati festival. Pic/Satej Shinde 

Civic workers making a watch tower at Juhu beach ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai. Pic/Shadab Khan

All the police stations in the metropolis have been asked to act against the violators. Instructions to this effect were issued by Vishwas Nangre Patil, Joint CP (Law and Order). Pic/Bipin Kokate

People shopping at Jogeshwari railway station ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Pic/Satej Shinde

The BMC says once the Ganeshotsav is over, it will be able to understand the Covid-19 situation more clearly. Until now, the condition is under control, but people have to take all precautions, the civic body said. Pic/Bipin Kokate

Devotees transport an idol of Lord Ganesha from a workshop to a worship venue ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai. Pic/PTI

Mumbai has been witnessing a steady rise in Covid-19 infections from the day after reporting 190 cases on August 16, which was the lowest daily count since April 2020. Pic/PTI

People flout social distancing norms visit a crowded market for shopping ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Thane. Pic/PTI

In the past few days, Mumbai has witnessed about 20 per cent rise in Covid-19 cases, but experts don’t believe it is because of the third wave. Moreover, the BMC has increased the number of Covid-19 tests, which has resulted in the rise in the infection figure. Pic/PTI