Marathi Ekikaran Samiti urges scaled-down garba-dandiya events amid drought, funds for farmers
The Marathi Ekikaran Samiti has asked organisers to cancel or simplify big Navratri events and divert the money to water supply and farmers in drought-like areas.
Drought-like conditions have developed in many parts of Maharashtra. Rural areas face water scarcity and agriculture is in crisis, leaving farmers in distress. Against this background, a demand has emerged that the large garba-dandiya and Navratri events held in cities be reconsidered.
The stand has been put forward by the Marathi Ekikaran Samiti. The Samiti says the large spending on the festival should be avoided and the funds used for water supply, facilities in rural areas and help for needy farmers.
The Samiti asked how appropriate it is to spend large sums on grand events in the name of Navratri in cities while farmers in rural areas struggle for water.
Garba-dandiya events need large grounds, and heavy spending goes on attractive lighting, sound systems, performers and other arrangements. The Samiti said that, given the water scarcity in the state this year, such costly events need to be limited.
Samiti president Govardhan Deshmukh has demanded that this year's large garba-dandiya events be cancelled or held in a very simple manner. He said that if the money spent on the festival were used for rural water supply, drinking water arrangements and help for farmers, the areas in distress could benefit directly. An appeal has therefore been made to celebrate this year's festival with social commitment.
The Samiti has also appealed to political leaders, social organisations and Navratri mandals to take a sensitive stand keeping in mind the situation in rural Maharashtra. The appeal asks organisers to recognise the seriousness of the situation.
The Samiti also expects the government and administration to consider local water conditions and the drought-like situation when granting permission for large garba-dandiya events.
The Samiti does not seek a complete ban on the festival. Instead of a ban, it has suggested that events be held simply as needed and the remaining funds used for social work. It expressed the hope that this year's Navratri will not be merely entertainment but will extend a helping hand to farmers and rural areas.
