MUMBAI
DNA takes its readers to visit Ashtavinayaks across eight malls in the city in less than 50 kms.
For the common man, DNA’s Ashtavinayak initiative has come as a boon. At a time when rising prices is eating into the budget of the aam admi, devotees are happy that the DNA’s Ashtavinayak initiative fulfills their dream of going on an Ashtavinayak pilgrimage.
It was a dream come true for many devotees as they visited Ashtavinayaks at eight city malls. On Monday, a bus took 23 devotees for the Ashtavinayak yatra. While some skipped work for the yatra, others made it a family outing.
Retired excise consultant, Vijay Shetty came for the yatra all the way from Boisar along with his wife and sister-in-law. He said he had always planned an Ashtavinayak pilgrimage with his family but could not make it. This year they made it by visiting DNA’s Ashtavinayak.
“During economic slowdown, the cost of travel is not easy to bear. DNA’s effort has helped us in fulfilling our dream of visiting Ashtavinayak and at the same time we did not have to splurge,’’ he said.
On the trip, devotees were allowed to participate in the puja and perform aartis. The routes were planned such that the devotees don’t get stuck in traffic. “I tried making the best of my fast by performing the first aarti here,” said Neha Avsarkar, a Girgaon resident.
While the Ashtavinayak theme was the biggest draw, many complimented DNA for taking up the eco-Ganesha initiative. “The Ashtavinayak yatra was something I wanted to visit for a long time but could not due to time constraints,” said Dilip Pithadia. “The idols are done up really well. I support the DNA’s eco-friendly Ganpati initiative. The size of the idol is not important as it should be the devotion in our hearts that matters.’’
Jogeshwari resident Smita Hegde, who embarked on the yatra, said, “These are the times of inflation and people do not get an opportunity to travel due to rising costs. I had gone on an actual Ashatavinayak trip and it takes at least two days to complete it. The DNA’s Ashtavinayak yatra has helped me in saving time as well as money. And even the experience is the same as going on an actual yatra across Maharashtra. It’s a good option for those who cannot afford to visit the orginal temples.’’
Kamal Patel and her son Rishad from Tardeo said even though the idols were placed inside the malls, the atmosphere was serene and devout. “A mall is a complete opposite of a temple. But all those who came on the yatra were completely focused on the idol and were not distracted by the shops in the mall. It’s the best utilisation of the mall space,’’ said Patel.
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