Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
PUNE, INDIA, September 19, 2009: The auspicious nine-day Navaratra festival that commences today will witness muted celebrations on the backdrop of the H1N1 scare in the city. A press note from the Sri Mahalakshmi Mandir, Sarasbaug, said that the celebrations, to be held from September 19 to 28, would be on a very low scale to avoid crowding, and the consequent spread of the virus. While the Ghatasthapana would take place in the morning, the nine-day reading of the Atharvashirsha, and bhajans rendered by assorted women’s bhajan groups, would not take place this year. However, the kanya pooja will take place on panchami, wherein orphan girls will be given gifts use following the puja, the press note stated.