04 November,2026 11:58 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray. Pic/X
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Wednesday announced that his party would not hold its annual Diwali celebration, Dipotsav, at Mumbai's Shivaji Park this year, citing the severe drought affecting parts of Maharashtra.
In a video message, Thackeray appealed to people across the state to celebrate Diwali with restraint and remain mindful of the hardships faced by drought-hit communities.
Thackeray said organising an elaborate celebration would be inappropriate at a time when rural Maharashtra was grappling with water scarcity, crop losses and mounting financial difficulties.
Explaining the rationale behind the decision, Thackeray said, "There is usually immense enthusiasm. Illuminations and fireworks are set up here at Shivaji Park, and people from all over Maharashtra - from Mumbai, Thane, and distant corners of the state - make it a point to come and enjoy the Deepotsav, having a wonderful time. However, we have decided not to celebrate Deepotsav this year. The sole reason is the terrible drought that has struck, exists, and looms over Maharashtra. In light of this severe drought, my heart simply could not accept celebrating a festival of this kind."
He pointed out that farmers were under considerable pressure and many people from drought-affected areas were migrating to cities in search of livelihood opportunities.
The MNS chief said the party hoped to resume its annual Dipotsav next year, provided the situation improved.
"Today, Maharashtra is passing through a very peculiar phase. Given this situation, when we celebrate Diwali with grand enthusiasm, how would our brothers and sisters in rural Maharashtra, and their young children, feel about it? I think we need to reflect on this ourselves," he stated.
Taking a critical stance on political priorities, Thackeray added, "The Chief Minister stated that this drought will be even more severe than the one in 1972. Even though this was announced earlier, it seems the ruling party leaders didn't quite grasp it and continued playing Garba. Be that as it may, that is their concern. But celebrating Diwali and organising such a Deepotsav under these circumstances does not feel right to my conscience, and hence the decision has been made not to hold Deepotsav this year."
The announcement comes amid a widespread drought situation in Maharashtra following deficient rainfall this year.
The state government has declared more than 85 per cent of its talukas drought-affected. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had earlier announced an interim financial assistance of Rs 5,000 for eligible farmers ahead of Diwali.
The government has also initiated relief measures for drought-hit areas as it continues to assess the extent of crop damage and the financial assistance required.
Thackeray said the prevailing circumstances called for sensitivity towards farmers and families facing water shortages and economic hardship.
The MNS chief urged people to avoid extravagant celebrations and consider the difficulties faced by those in drought-hit regions.
He said the festival should be observed in a manner that does not overlook the distress faced by rural communities.
The party's decision to cancel the event is expected to affect its annual celebrations, which attract thousands of visitors to Shivaji Park during Diwali.
Expressing hope for better times ahead, Raj Thackeray prayed for relief and good conditions next year. Highlighting the impending migration from rural areas, he warned, "Countless households and communities will be forced to leave their villages from numerous places across Maharashtra and head towards the cities, where urban conditions are already visible to us. Celebrating such a festival amid this overall state scenario did not feel right to me, and I have a humble request to make to you as well."
Clarifying that he is not advocating a "black Diwali," he urged citizens to practice moderation. "We do not want to celebrate a black Diwali, but we must exercise some restraint on that excitement. It is necessary to check ourselves and exercise restraint when bursting crackers and putting up illuminations. We are all citizens of Maharashtra, and we all have immense love for our state. When citizens of Maharashtra are suffering like this, celebrating a festival on a massive scale just does not feel right, and it shouldn't feel right to you either," he noted.
Concluding his message, Thackeray urged people to stick to traditional simple observances while keeping celebrations in check. "Therefore, this Diwali, let us all hang lanterns, share sweets, and do all the necessary things, but I request you to exercise restraint when it comes to heavy lighting and bursting firecrackers. Next year, we will once again celebrate Deepotsav with great zeal. Until then, this is all I wanted to share with you," he said.
The MNS-organised Dipotsav is among the prominent Diwali events in Mumbai. The celebration traditionally features decorative lighting across Shivaji Park and the surrounding area, along with a synchronised fireworks display.
