A visit to the famous markets at D’silva galli, Javle Marg and Kabootarkhana in Dadar (W) on Saturday indicated a decrease in the number of crowds.
The fear of swine flu has dampened the festive spirit in the city. A visit to the famous markets at D’silva galli, Javle Marg and Kabootarkhana in Dadar (W) on Saturday indicated a decrease in the number of crowds visiting the area for Ganesh Chaturthi shopping this year.
“
Yeh swine flu se lafda ho gaya hai. Dhanda manda hai is saal. Public darr gayi hai. Khauf baith gaya hai (It’s all because of swine flu. The business is low and people are scared),” said Sheikh Hassan, a shopkeeper selling lights and artificial flowers. Hassan believes that the media hype around H1N1 virus has hampered his business.
“Last year, I had no time to sit and talk. There was no place to walk on the road. This year it’s subdued. People are probably avoiding going to the markets due to swine flu scare,” said Arun Shetye, selling decorations on Shabildas Road in Dadar.
For idolmaker Vinod Rokde, there are not many takers for his idols either.
“There would be advanced booking every year. This year it is bleakbut I hope the situation improves. I think recession has also affected the festive spirit,” said Rokde. But customers who thronged the place, bargaining prices with vendors, had a different take on the matter. Calling themselves fearless Mumbaikars, they said that nothing could force them to break the tradition.
“Traditions being followed for generations cannot be broken due to swine flu scare. Dadar is the place to shop and we here but taking precautions by wearing masks,” said Purvashi Hatkar from Borivili.
“Mumbaikars celebrate Ganesha festival on a huge scale. We believe he’s the Vighnaharta — remover of all obstacles. We can’t stop celebrating festivals due to some virus,” said Shruti Todankar from Jogeshwari.
With people making a beeline to Dadar to do their last minute shopping for Ganpati, the traffic cops are working round the clock to ensure smooth traffic flow.
“There will be an increase in crowds between 5pm and 11pm due to small Ganpatis going to households and big Ganpatis heading to the mandals. Traffic cops are on a 24 hour duty,” stated a senior traffic police official.
(Inputs from Preety Acharya)
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