Ganeshotsav Under H1N1 Shadow

First time in its history of 115 years, the Ganesh Utsav in Pune is set to be subdued. The festival, which even British rulers could not prevent from being celebrated with enthusiasm, has come under the shadow of H1N1 Flu which has taken more than 17 lives in Pune. Even though mandals and authorities have decided to celebrate the festival simply, it is to be seen how it can be a low key affair.

Interestingly, organisers of the biggest festival in Maharashtra and probably India are planning to take Swine Flu in their stride. Ganesh Chaturthi. They pkan to make H1N1 Flu as as festival theme to spread awareness among the people. The highlights of the festival will be fibre mannequins wearing swine flu masks erected by artists from the city.

These special mannequins will also have audio-visual aids, a speciality of Ganeshotsav in Pune, to convey the message of preventing swine flu infections. These mannequins will come in the form of school going kids, teachers, doctors wearing masks. The festival is one of the prominent occasion for advertisers and mandals to reach to public. Total turnover during these ten days of festival touch up to several crores. Many big mandals have expressed fear that they will lose about Rs 60 to 70 lakh if the festival is kept simple.

Pune Festival, a cultural event initiated by Suresh Kalmadi, member of parliament was deferred till December on account of rising cases of H1N1 Flu. The festival is normally organised for three days during the Ganeshotsav each year. The organisers of Pune Festival have already clarified that the event will take place around 15 December since not many tourists are expected to come during the onslaught of H1N1.