Swine Flu Discourages Some Ganesh Devotees; Others Undeterred
Posted on Aug 25, 2009 by Reena Daruwalla | Comments 0
Pune is one of the major centers for the Ganeshotsav in India where the tradition of community religious pandals started by Lokmanya Tilak still retains some of its original flavor. This year however things in Pune are somewhat subdued; and just a little bit more low key than the celebrations every year due to the H1N1 swine flu virus taking its toll in the city.
Some however have taken up the challenge of using the Ganeshotsav platform to spread awareness about the swine flu. One pandal features special mannequins having audio-visual support to convey the message regarding swine flu precautions. Doctor assistance is also arranged for at the site and people are to be made aware of precautions and ways to avoid infection during the festival celebration.
One of Pune’s most beloved Ganesh pandals, the Dagdusheth Halvai ganpati in heart of Pune is witness to some strange scenes this year; face masks are very much in evidence among the faithful to come to pay homage to the beautiful, gold laden idol there.
Mumbai’s Ganesh Pandals, already dealing with increased security following the terror attacks of last November have another unwelcome guest to contend with; Swine Flu. Many pandals this year seem to bear an uncharacteristically deserted look. Whereas they would otherwise be teeming with devotees and revelers, it is a different scenario this time.
Parents who would otherwise take their children on a tour of Ganesh Pandals around town are refraining from doing it this year, seeing that children are said to be at particular risk from the swine flu virus. While the fervour associated with the major pandals such as Lalbaugcha Raja seems only marginally affected, the queues at others seem noticeably shorter this year.
It is thought that attendance at the community pandals will improve once people have finished with the immersion of their personal household deity’s idol.
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Posted in: H1N1 • Swine Flu News
