For the first time in decades, Ganesh Utsav – the largest public festival of Pune will not live up to this popularity – a measure to contain the spread of swine flu. It was in 1893 in Pune that Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak turned this 10-day religious event into a grand public festival to bridge the caste-divide and generate nationalistic fervour amongst the people.

“This year, however, the pioneer city’s popular hymn of the festival Ganapati Bappa Moraya, pudhchya varshi laukar ya (Hail Lord Ganapati, come soon the next year) has been replaced by Ganapati Bappa Moraya, swine flu palavuya (Hail Lord Ganapati, lets chase away swine flu),” says Shrikant Shete, president, Shri Kasba Ganapati Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav Mandal.

On the other hand, at least 20 Maharashtra Mandals in the US and Europe are celebrating the festival with much fervour and enthusiasm. While most Ganapati programmes, like one-man shows, orchestras and cultural events have been cancelled in Pune, Maharashtra Mandals abroad have organised similar programmes during their Ganesh festival celebrations. Also, many Mandals in Pune have cancelled Ganapati processions; almost all Maharashtra Mandals, like those in London, Singapore, Washington, Dubai will be taking out short-distance processions in their respective areas.

Kasba Ganapati Mandal, Pune’s first Ganapati of honour has taken the lead in toning down the 10-day celebrations between August 23 and September 2. Shrikant Shete, president says, “We have cancelled various programmes that are considered a trademark of the Kasba Ganapati Mandal. One of them is the Kasba Ganapati Award, that is given to five outstanding personalities. The first day Ganapati procession has been cancelled. Instead, only the Ganesh idol will be carried in a palkhi in the traditional manner.”

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