This Article is From Aug 13, 2009

H1N1 dampens Gokulashtami fervour in Maharashtra

AFP image

Mumbai:

With the swine flu leading to cancellation of several big Govinda competitions, Friday may hold little promise for those groups who don't want to dampen the festive spirit.

On Wednesday, the Shiv Sena, the MNS and at least one big NCP leader cancelled their Gokulashtami festivities.

"I request all Govinda groups to celebrate it in their own areas and not move around. This will help minimise the spread of the infection," said Uddhav Thackeray, executive president, Shiv Sena.

But it won't be a complete washout. Some big groups say that shutting down the city or stopping festivities will not stop the flu's spread.

"Just by shutting down schools have we managed to stop the flu? Same way by telling people don't get out of your house you cannot stop the flu," said Sachin Ahir, NCP leader and a Dahi Handi organiser.

In past years groups have won as much as Rs 20 lakh in pyramid building contests. This year, the highest prize money is Rs 25 lakh coming from a non-political source.

"I see no reason for shutting down," said Ram Kadam, a businessman and another Dahi Handi organiser.

Even those who are not organising competitions say they will be donating a portion of donations collected.

"Many of those people have taken time off for a month or less to practice. We don't want them to lose out, so we will give them at least some portion of what we have collected," said Jitendra Ahwad, an NCP leader and a Dahi Handi organiser.

So, on Friday, Govinda groups look set to hit the streets. And they'll be hoping the only thing they don't take back home will be the swine flu.

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