On a wink and a prayer

An association in Shanthinagar-Richmond Town area plans to douse the H1N1 scare with rituals and jokes during their Ganesh Chaturthi

An association in Shanthinagar-Richmond Town area plans to douse the H1N1 scare with rituals and jokes during their Ganesh Chaturthi

A PART of Bangalore plans to take on the swine flu scare with a dose of laughter and rituals to deities.

The Shanthinagar-Richmond Town Shopkeepers' Association (SRTSA) is roping in comedians to spread awareness on H1N1 during their special Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations to be held at the Shanthinagar playground from October 2.

"H1N1 awareness is our priority this festive season," said R V Ramesh Yadav, president, SRTSA. "We have also chosen comedians this time since humour is an effective way to convey a message," he added.

Well-known comedians including mimicry artiste Dayanand, Bank Janardhan, Tabla Nani and Sudha Bargur will try and chase away the scare among residents through humorous talks and jokes.

Pooja power: Scenes from the Kala Sarpa Linga Pooja performed by the Association last September to 'prevent terrorism'

Rituals for good health

The association, which is spending a whopping Rs 8 lakh on the entire programme, also plans to perform special rituals to deities as part of the awareness campaign.


Last year, the association had performed special rituals including yagas related to terrorism.

This included the Kala Sarpa Linga Pooja which was performed to a 500-year-old Shiva idol.

This year, the association will perform several rituals related to good health like Shatha Chandika Homa, Durga Homa, Durga Sapthashathi Parayana and Rudra Homa.

There will also be general rituals like Ganesha Homa, Rudhrabhisheka and Rahu Ketu Shanthi.

"As these diseases are caused by viruses, we will perform rituals to Goddess Durga," said Satyanarayan Rao, the main priest who will conduct the rituals. "It's believed that these homas, besides checking the spread of diseases like H1N1, will also reduce the number of deaths."

The association will print handbills, banners and posters too.