Going against the tradition of presenting eye-catching tableaus, grand decorations and lighting, Ganesh mandals in Pune have decided to have a sombre Ganeshotsav this year, all to prevent swine flu from spreading.
In the city, which has seen the highest swine flu cases in India, Ganpatis this time in Pune carry a new message -- how best to avoid the virus.
"I have got orders mostly asking me to make some theme based on swine flu," said Satish Taaru, a tableaux artist.
Not just the theme, Pune's mandals are taking swine flu threat seriously. They are responding to the government directive to keep it low key. Even the Collector has appealed to people from nearby cities against gathering in Pune.
"Our prayer to Lord Ganesh is to keep away swine flu and this is the message we're telling people about," said Shrikant Shende, of kasba Ganpati mandal.
The mandals have even cancelled traditional events like atharvasheersha where thousands of women gather in front of Pune's famous Dagdu Seth Ganpati temple early in the morning to sing.
From spreading awareness about the H1N1 flu, to training their volunteers in helping the ailment's survey, Ganesh mandals are doing all they can to ensure a safe Ganeshotsav.
