Regarded as the guardian angel of the avian species, locals have full faith in the mythological figure’s super power in saving birds from the flu.

“This is the first time that Garur is being worshipped in public. I do not want the flu to kill any more birds or affect humans,” says Pandit Netai Chakraborty, head priest of Maniktala Tol and Nabagraha Mandir.

As befits the first-time initiative, the method of the puja is also quite unique. “The process is simple,” says the priest. “We will chant hymns from the Bhagvad Gita, the book of life for all. The puja will be over after feeding birds in the wee hours of the morning.”

The puja starts at one in the afternoon at 71/A, Raja Dinendra Street. The pandal has a separate enclosure marked for the yagna. The organisers are anticipating a turn out of 150 people. Their hopes are not belied. Residents as well as local chicken traders throng the puja.

Kishore Saha owner of a local chicken shop came and offered puja. Prem Kumar Khurana, a resident and a vegetarian, is optimistic. “We hope God Garur saves the chickens from the scourge,” he says.

Another youngster, Bablu Das, chimed in. “I want to save my birds from the disease. I love my birds and do not wish to lose them,” said the 13-year-old boy at the puja.