Following the swine flu scare in the city, Eid, Durga Puja and Jewish New Year celebrations will take place on a quiet, careful note this year

With the swine flu fear still in the air, it's likely that the three festivals which are just round the corner, will be organised on a low scale.

First in line is Shanotova,u00a0 the Jewish New Year that falls on September 18. David Solomon, who conducts prayers at the Ohel David synagogue in Camp, said, "It's special this time as our New Year is on Shabbath, a weekend. It will start on Friday evening and will end on Sunday." He added, "We spend our time entirely in prayer. To combat swine flu, we will keep masks available and write down instructions on boards too."

Eid too is going to be celebrated on a quiet note. Maulana Sidique of Kesarbaug Masjid, one of the largest mosques in Pune, said, "During Friday prayers, we have been advising people who are unwell to stay at home.

Also, people must wear masks even if they have a common cold."

Caution is the catchword for Durga Puja celebrations, with Anandam Association, the second largest Bengali association in the city taking precautionary measures.

Daily fumigation
Madhumita Ghosh, cultural secretary of Anandam said, "We are having low-key celebrations this time. We have called only one artiste from Kolkata to perform. Because of the swine flu scare, we'll also have fewer children's programmes. We'll also arrange for fumigation and spraying on a daily basis."

The largest Bengali association, Bangyo Sanskriti Sansad, is also being careful. Its general secretary, Sharmila Mozumdar, said, "We will meet this evening to decide on the restrictions to follow during puja."

Rajesh Burman, the secretary of the Sansad's puja committee, added, "It's going to be enjoyment with caution. It will be compulsory for people at food stalls to wear masks. Bhog will be served by people wearing gloves. We will have a first-aid centre, with medicines, masks and even eucalyptus oil." The Sansad will also display banners mentioning the precautions against swine flu.