LESS CELEBRATION, MORE HELP, PLEASE!!

Strange are the laws of Nature. On the one hand, the nation is devastated by furious floods in many parts of India like Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala. People are left homeless, many have lost their kith and kin and several are struggling to survive without the vital necessities of life like food, clothing and shelter. Not just human beings, even the plight of mute animals is pitiable.

Amidst such a gloomy scenario the annual season of festivals is around the corner. Beginning with Dahi Handi, Ganesh Chaturthi and Navratri the list is long. Generally, Mumbaikars celebrate these festivals with pomp and spectacle, but this year the golden-hearted Mumbaikars have pledged to place humanity above religion and extend help to the families wrecked by the floods in Maharashtra’s several districts like Sangli, Kolhapur, etc. A wave of compassion and empathy can be seen in Mulund. Many NGOs, good samaritans and people from all walks of life are coming forward to help their brethren ravaged by Maharashtra’s floods. Several devotees are seen lilting lamps in temples and other places of worship praying to the Almighty to end Nature’s fury and protect the affected. Every Mumbaikar is leaving no stone unturned to help the flood victims in the state.

During this severe natural calamity, Home Times urges the festival organizers to celebrate festivals on a low key. Instead of spending huge amounts on dazzling lightings, spectacular decorations, loud DJs and other showbaazi, it would be wise if the organizers call off these displays during this Ganesh Chaturthi. Instead, we urge the festival organizers to donate the money saved from these expenses to the flood victims in Maharashtra and other parts of India. We recommend it would be a great idea if the Ganesh Mandals in Mumbai shun the trend of ‘bhandara’ this year and, as an alternative, send food items like rice, dal, grains, flour, sugar, tea, etc. to the destitute and the suffering humanity in Sangli and Kolhapur.

Besides Ganesh Utsav, each year the Dahi Handi festival in Mumbai is celebrated with gusto. Big politicians splurge lakhs of rupees as prize money during these Dahi Handi festivals. Home Times requests these politicians to think twice and ponder on donating this prize money for  the education of children or send medical aid for senior citizens affected by Maharashtra’s floods. Celebrate festivals but do not forget that many people in your state are in pain, without food, without shelter and look upon you with hope!

Remember, Lord Ganesha is Sukhkarta Dukhharta Varta Vighnachi i.e. The Lord who provides Joy, takes away Sadness and removes all “Vighnas” (obstacles) in life!! So, let us unite and remove sadness and obstacles from the lives of the flood victims by our good deeds and generous donations.

 

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