Spontaneous response in Karnataka !
Shivmogga (Karnataka) : Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) undertook a drive to create awareness amongst people towards ideal way of celebrating this festival. 489 Ganeshotsav Mandals (Mandals)’ from 15 districts were contacted in this connection.
- These ‘Mandals’ were shown VCD prepared on this subject explaining how should be the idol of Ganesh as per ‘Dharmashaastra’, purpose behind celebrating this festival; right method of immersion of idols; which types of religious programs can be held during the festival etc. As a result, 14 ‘Mandals’ in Hubali area promised to celebrate this festival without using ‘DJ’ during the procession.
- At Lakshmeshwar in the same district, all Ganesh Mandals were given guidance by HJS during meetings arranged by them. After the meeting, all Mandals that were immersing idols on 3 different days for the past several years, decided to immerse idols on the same day as per ‘shaastra’ and at the same time.
- Ganesh Mandals from Shivmogga and Dharwad districts were preparing Ganesh idols in wrong manner for several years. They have decided to prepare idols as per ‘shaastra’ in next year under guidance of HJS and celebrate the festival in ideal manner.
- HJS’ lectures, exhibition of boards and VCDs was organised by 7 Ganesh Mandals. Getting inspiration from HJS drive on ideal Ganesh festival celebration, 2 Ganesh Mandals from Lakshmeshwar went with HJS activists and helped in bringing all ‘Mandals’ together and holding meeting at 2 places.
- In North and South Canara districts so also in Udupi, Dharwad districts, 4 ‘peace committee’ meetings arranged by District Collectors, 18 Tehsildars and police, HJS gave guidance on ideal method of celebrating Ganesh festival.
- Restrictions were imposed on playing ‘DJ’, indecent dancing and consumption of liquor in processions taken out during the festival and officers of Shivmogga and Hasan districts said that stringent action would be taken against those not following the rules. A circular was also published in local newspapers in this regard.
- More than 10,000 handbills were distributed on celebration of Ganesh festival. More than 1500 posters were displayed at various ‘Devasthans’ in the city and at public places.
- The VCD of HJS was shown in 6 districts by local cable channels in the State.
- Articles on the subject were published in newspapers at more than 15 Districts and State levels besides explaining the subject through TV channels and radio.
- Shri. Dayanand rao, a devout Hindu from Dharwad district and his friends showed the VCD on ideal way of celebrating Ganesh-festival at different places in the city.
Source : Dainik Sanatan Prabhat
