Navratri revellers undeterred by swine flu fear

Ahmedabad celebrated a number of festivals over the last month, from Onam for the Keralites residing here to Ganesh Chaturthi for the Gujaratis, Kannadigas and Maharashtrians. The recent outbreak of swine flu cases in the state did little to deter the devotees who gathered in huger numbers at pandals and halls where the celebrations were held. Similarly, the deadly virus is seemingly unable to kill the enthusiasm of Navratri revellers.

“Swine flu is no way going to affect the people who have been waiting for Navratri all through the year. As soon as such festivals come, the people forget all kinds of scares, from chikungunia to terrorists and even swine flu,” said Jigish Shah of Samket Advertising, the organisers of the garba at Karnavati Club this year.

Santosh Bapat, the vice-president of Gulmohar Greens, said that the media and state government have increased awareness on ways to avoid contracting swine flu. “The people have more or less got over the fear of swine flu. Hence, it is no more a threat to their Navratri celebrations,” he said.

The Karnataka Sangha, Ahmedabad recently organised a get-together for Ganesh Puja, at a community hall in Vastrapur. “Yes, people may be scared of contracting swine flu, but I did not see anyone wearing a mask at the celebration,” said MN Satyaprakash, general-secretary of the Karnataka Sangha, Ahmedabad.

The pandals raised for Ganesh Chaturthi saw large gathering every day, but few people were seen wearing masks or handkerchiefs to cover their faces. “We are aware of the dangers of swine flu and how it spreads. But we, as devotees, come to these gatherings with a pious mind. The feeling we get is that we cannot contract swine flu at such religious gatherings,” said Neeta Pathak, a garba enthusiast.

Jaydeep Mehta, who has organised the Ahmedabad Navratri Festival at YMCA Club this year, said, “There is no word such as ‘fear’ in Gujaratis’ dictionary. In case of any calamity, they simply look to god and, in fact, god helps them.”

“Festivals are the only time when you get to meet one another. Just because of the virus scare, you cannot lock yourself up in your home. Yes, I will definitely take some precautions, but wearing a mask at every crowded place is too much,” said Ramesh Shah, a garba enthusiast who is ready with his family to celebrate all nine nights of Navratri.