As India's financial capital, Mumbai, gets ready for its biggest festival of the year, daily coronavirus cases have surged, rising more than two-fold in less than a month, even as authorities impose curbs to prevent a further spike.

Markets were bustling and streets were crowded as people prepared for the 11-day festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, celebrating the elephant-headed Hindu god Ganesha, which begins on Friday.

Coronavirus cases in the city, which were at a low of 190 on August 16, have risen to 530 daily infections in the last 24 hours, according to government data.

Read more from Reuters here.

People walk in a crowded market amidst the spread of the coronavirus in Mumbai, India on September 5. — Reuters
People walk in a crowded market amidst the spread of the coronavirus in Mumbai, India on September 5. — Reuters

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