It is that time of the year again. Of 'modaks', 'aartis' and enthusiatic shouts of "Ganapati Bappa Morya".As Mumbaikar's gear up for ten days of the Ganesh festival, none of the talk of terror threats and increased security seems to have dampened the spirits of the city.Shops and markets wear a festive and busy look, artisans are busy giving the last touches to the thousands of Ganesh idols that are made every year, and housewives sweat it out in the kitchen preparing sweets to offer to the elephant God starting tomorrow.This year, the Ganesh festival will be held under the shadow of heightened security with Ganesh mandals being instructed to set up own security infrastructure that will screen devotees with the help of metal detectors while close circuit TVs will keep unwanted elements at bay.With intelligence inputs suggesting that subversive elements might exploit the festival to execute terrorist acts, the police will be on guard all through the 10-day festival.The presence of the khaki uniform, however, is unlikely to deter the true Ganesh devotees from their celebrations. While most Maharashtrian families will celebrate at home, it is the community participation in the festival that adds a special colour to the festivities.Lakhs of Mumbaikars will throng the many Ganesh Mandals that are present in almost every nook and corner of the city. This "sarvajanik" celebration of the Ganesh festival, first propagated by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, is one of the most unique aspects of Ganesh celebrations in the city.This year, inspite of the recent bomb blasts and the rain fury, Mumbai seems all set to put behind its misery and pray to the elephant God for happier times ahead.
