Ganeshotsav preparations on; all care taken for safe celebrations

Mumbai, Aug 26 (UNI) During the pre-independence days, Lokmanya Tilak started the tradition of celebrating 'Sarvajanik Ganesh Mahotsav' with the idea to bring the masses together.

Tilak wanted his thoughts to reach the common people and make them aware of the British Government's oppressive policies. He also wanted to inculcate a strong sense of nationalism and the need to attain Swaraj, that is freedom from the foreign rule, among the people.

Today, we have a similar need for unity after the serial bomb blasts of 7/11.

Besides strict security arrangements made by every Mandal in association with the police and metal detectors and close-circuit televisions being installed in the big pandals, the enthusiasm among the people for the festival is on a high. Despite the 7/11 blasts and threat of terror strike still looming large, people are in a mood to enjoy themselves.

Director General of Police Dr P S Pasricha says, ''The community has to be sensitive about security. As long as they co-operate with us (which they are doing cordially), there is no need for any kind of fear. Our staff is making full arrangements and supporting the mandals to maintain high level security.'' Police sources further added that though plans made by them could not be disclosed, care has been taken for the security of the state and to prevent further mishaps from happening.

Also, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has made full arrangements for everything, from the allotment of the size of pandals to the height of the idols and cleanliness that needs to be maintained in and around the sarvajanik mandal pandals. Many new mandals that had applied for permissions were not given the same keeping security issues in view, said a BMC official.

With more than 10,000 sarvajanik mandals in Mumbai, all precautions are being taken for a happy and exciting Ganeshotsav celebration.

Simultaneously, while giving best wishes to the people of Maharashtra on the occasion of Ganeshotsav, Governor S M Krishna urged all the Ganesh mandals to donate to the Chief Minister's relief fund.

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