Ban on offerings at Siddhi Vinayaka temple resented

After Mumbai police imposed a ban on taking flowers, garlands and coconuts inside the Siddhivinayak temple in central Mumbai citing security reasons, the fate of hundreds of shops selling offerings outside the temple is in a suspense.

Mumbai, June 18 : After Mumbai police imposed a ban on taking flowers, garlands and coconuts inside the Siddhivinayak temple in central Mumbai citing security reasons, the fate of hundreds of shops selling offerings outside the temple is in a suspense.

The Mumbai police took this decision for the temple's safety which is believed to be on the terrorist's hit list.

The shopkeepers said that they were caught unawares with the decision.

"At least 60 to 70 shops are there in this area. Families of these shopkeepers are living on earnings from these shops. If they ban coconut inside the temple then our business will be badly affected," said Rakesh Yadav, a shopkeeper.

Yadav said such a stringent decision should have been taken after discussing with local shopkeepers.

"What will we do if the sale is less? At least eight to ten people are working in one shop. Their employment will be affected," said Yadav.

Not only the shopkeepers but also the devotees are disturbed with the restriction.

"This is really shocking. There is no problem of security here. People come to a temple with a different temperament, with a hope of better lives and to pray for peace. The authorities could have taken some alterative steps instead of banning coconuts," said Sunil Ahuja, a devotee.

Siddhivinayak temple already has a bullet-proof wall surrounding it.

ANI