Navratri spirit high despite rain, slowdown

Worries about reduced sponsorships as well as forecast of rain has Navratri organisers worried, but they are determined to ensure the festive season isn’t hampered.

Worries about reduced sponsorships as well as forecast of rain has Navratri organisers worried, but they are determined to ensure the festive season isn’t hampered.

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With rain having dampened the festive spirit during this year’s Ganpati celebrations, the organisers of Navratri mandals are taking precautions in order to ensure the monsoon doesn’t play spoilsport with people’s celebrations. Most mandals that are set up in open spaces are opting for wooden platforms so that visitors don’t slip or have to step on mud.

“Quite a lot of organisers have been hesitant this year to organise a Navratri because it may rain during Navratri. Those who are doing it are taking a risk because they have to continue the celebrations even while there is an economic slowdown. Which is why we have made arrangements for a wooden platform,” said Jitendra Mehta, the organiser of Thane’s Raas Rang Navratri 2019.

Indoor celebrations include dance competitions and concerts. Some performers have opted to perform at indoor locations after the 10pm deadline as per noise norms for Navratri.

Ganesh Naidu, organiser of Kora Kendra Navratri at Borivli, said, “We are anyway struggling to have the celebrations because we are unable to find sponsors. To add to it, there is forecast of rain, so we don’t really know what’s going to happen. But let’s hope for the grace of the goddess, and that it doesn’t rain,” said Naidu.