Citizens, authorities ask mandals to tone down celebration in view of swine flu situation
Citizens, authorities ask mandals to tone down celebration in view of swine flu situation
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Pune's Ganesh Mandals are widely being advised both by concerned citizens as well as authorities to tone down the celebrations that begin on August 23, in view of the swine flu situation.
Prataprao Godse, president of Shrimant Dagdusheth Ganpati Trust, the most popular Ganesh mandal in Pune, is among those who are disappointed with the recent turn of events.
116 years
"We complete 116 years this Ganeshotsav, so we had plans for a big celebration. Swine flu has however thrown a dampener. We are planning a yagna to seek Bappa's blessings to counter the pandemic, and will do our bit to make people aware of the dangers of swine flu during the festival," said Godse.
"We will try to end the immersion procession in as short a time as possible, so that chances of contracting the disease are minimal," added Godse.
Ravindra Pathare, trustee of the Vinchurkar Wada Ganesh Mandal, said that everyone needed to do their bit to counter swine flu.
Preetesh Kedari from Nagnath Paar Sarvajanik Ganapati Trust said they have planned to make masks available to devotees at a negligible cost. "The masks are being sold in the black market at a premium. We have decided to not have a procession on the first day of the festival in view of the swine flu situation," said Kedari.
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