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Woman alleges bikers demand money after fake accident claims in BKC

The BKC police have encountered a new kind of racket wherein riders allege vehicular damage and demand money. The location of this alleged racket is the BKC main road, which leads to the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in BKC. The alleged scam >> A lady, in a post on X, alleged that two-wheeler riders stop other vehicles claiming that their bike had been hit by the latter>> After that, the riders demand money for damages via a QR code without involving any authorities The woman’s post on X Official Speak Sanchita Tanpure, Police Sub-inspectorWe contacted the lady who posted on X, but so far, we haven’t received a proper explanation of what happened with her. We have asked her to visit the police station so that we can ensure no such incidents happen with anyone else. So far, no other such complaints have been made. We will look into it if we receive any. Maneesh Kalwaniya, DCP, Zone 8There was an incident wherein a biker fell due to a car making a sudden turn. The injured biker was sent to Bhabha Hospital, and a medico-legal case was received at the police station for that. But no such gangs are suspected by us. Observer Speak Employee of a nearby restaurant,We are here from 10 am to 2 am and haven’t seen any such thing. If anything like this has happened it must have been in a corner with less lighting. Even our regular customers have not mentioned anything of this sort.

20 March,2026 08:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram Kavattur
No mobile network inside Aqua Line 3 stations and trains. File pic from October 15, 2025. picS/Satej Shinde

Mobile blackout in Aqua Line 3 highlights tussle over metro connectivity

Mobile telecommunication inside the city’s first underground metro, Aqua Line 3, remains down after the third-party infrastructure provider was switched off for failing to meet contract conditions. Any new network will take time to install, with no immediate relief in sight. With the intent to provide cellular connectivity to all passengers, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL), which operates Aqua Line 3, had invited bids to set up neutral or common infrastructure that could be used by any telecom operator.  This was in line with best practices followed in large-scale infrastructure projects such as airports and metro systems across India. However, telecom companies disputed the model, alleging that Aqua Line 3 had created a monopoly by routing connectivity exclusively through a third-party vendor. The dispute has left the city’s first underground metro corridor without mobile connectivity. Commuters travel on an Aqua Line 3 train between stations as the underground corridor remains without mobile connectivity Asked about the status, a senior Aqua Line official said, “There has been no development. The third-party infrastructure provider has switched off the network after being terminated for failing to meet contract conditions. Any new network will take time to install.” What telcos say Telecom operators said they were always willing to provide connectivity. But, in the case of Aqua Line 3, they allege that a monopoly has been created by mandating connectivity exclusively through a third-party vendor, which is now seeking to charge high and unreasonable rates. They said under the new Telecommunication Act and its Right of Way rules, a public authority cannot deny telecom service providers access to public infrastructure. What MMRCL says MMRCL said it followed a fair and transparent process to ensure connectivity. “With the intent to provide cellular connectivity in the underground metro to all passengers, MMRCL invited bids to set up neutral/common infrastructure that could be used by any telco. This is in line with best practices followed by airports and metro rail systems across India.” MMRCL undertook an open tender process to onboard a neutral infrastructure provider. Telcos gave letters of support to bidders, thereby endorsing the process. As the provider was onboarded through a competitive, fair and transparent process, any allegations of irregularities are baseless and unfounded.

20 March,2026 08:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
Tribal residents gather at a site near Sanjay Gandhi National Park, where the boundary wall is being constructed, to oppose the  proposed structure. Pic/By Apecial Arrangement

Conflict emerges over SGNP wall as locals resist restricted forest access

A long-pending plan to seal off Sanjay Gandhi National Park with a wall has run into fresh resistance, with tribal residents in the Nagla range halting construction work, exposing a growing faultline between conservation priorities and local access rights. Even as the forest department accelerates work on a decades-old mandate to protect the park from encroachments, tribals argue that walls restrict traditional movement into forest areas they have long depended on. “In Nagla, we have started work on around 18 km of the wall out of a planned 52 km stretch. Work was stopped by local tribal farmers,” said a forest department official. Officials insist the project is critical to safeguarding one of Mumbai’s last remaining natural buffers, even as they attempt to negotiate with protesting communities. Ground resistance >> Locals are opposed to the wall and watchtowers>> They access to forest routes is being restricted>> They fear of losing traditional corridors Why the wall matters >> It stops encroachments on protected forest land>> Prevents unauthorised human entry>> Reduces human–wildlife conflict>> Protects biodiversity and habitats>> Curbs illegal tree cutting and poaching>> Blocks debris dumping inside forest zones>> Strengthens patrolling & surveillance>> Clearly marks forest boundaries The bigger mandate 1997: Bombay High Court directs boundary wall construction 2026: High-powered committee formed to fast-track executionObjective: To protect Mumbai’s critical green lung from steady urban pressure SGNP in numbers Total park area: 104 sq kmTotal length of boundary: 154.6 kmWall completed so far: 50+ km Nagla stretch under construction: 18 km(part of 52 km segment)

20 March,2026 08:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav
Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

Mumbai Diary: Friday Dossier

Cat Scan A feline surveys its surroundings from atop of a mail box near CSMT An impactful road trip The signage on Rajesh Khandekar’s cycle AMID worsening global warming, Thane-based businessman Rajesh Khandekar chose a quiet yet demanding path to raise awareness regarding the deteriorating climatic conditions around the world. On March 10, he ended his year-long transcontinental cycling journey from Argentina towards Canada, covering nearly 14,000 kilometres and 15 countries. This marked his third expedition, following earlier rides across Asia, and from Bangladesh to New Zealand. En route, he engaged with local communities and cyclists and spread his word. “I didn’t want protests or noise; I wanted to show that even one person can travel, connect, and remind others that the planet needs urgent care,” Khandekar told this diarist. United in their voice A performance by the choir in 2025. Pic Courtesy/Terrence Rushin A group of talented singers are set to take the city by storm. The Uniting Voices Chicago choir (formerly Chicago Children’s Choir) will perform at the Willingdon Sports Club in Tardeo on March 22, as part of their ongoing tour through Asia. “This tour is more than a series of performances. It is a shared journey of connection. Our singers are bringing a repertoire that reflects both who we are and what we believe, that music can bridge cultures, languages, and lived experiences,” shared president Josephine Lee (inset).  A Grammy Award-nominee, Lee will travel with the choir that was founded as part of the Civil Rights Movement in 1956, to Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj too. “At a time when the world can feel increasingly divided, moments like this matter,” she said. Great going, Garima! After entering Bandra’s foodscape with a bang last year, chef Garima Arora (below) has an eye on Kuala Lumpur next. Yaari, her new modern Indian venture is set to open doors late this year at a luxury hotel in the Malaysian capital. The Mumbai-born chef, who became the first Indian woman to bag two Michelin stars for her Bangkok restaurant Gaa in 2024, has plans to dish out some surprises at the new restaurant. We learnt that the menu will feature ‘refined chaats’ as a hat tip to India’s street food culture, alongside classic kebabs and curries. “Yaari is born from my passion for storytelling through food, celebrating heritage, creativity and the joyful experience of sharing a meal,” Arora shared. Return of the native Subodh Gupta at the Nature Morte Gallery in 2024. File Pic Door, 2007; School, 2008. Pics Courtesy/artist; NMACC When we last spoke to Subodh Gupta on the opening day of his exhibition, A small village, around the corner, up in a mountain, in January 2024, we hardly thought it would take two years for the artist to return to the city. But it did, and the artist will break his long hiatus with the city this April with his new show, A Fistful of Sky, at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC). Opening on April 3, the exhibition presented by Nature Morte Gallery brings together immersive environments and installations, including some that are being showcased in India for the very first time. Curated by Clare Lilley, the exhibition examines ritual, migration, labour, aspiration, and deep time. Alongside works like School, and Door that symbolise ritual and collective order, the exhibition will also mark the debut of his creation, Nine Stupa — used and flattened stainless steel utensils assembled into devotional forms. The work, Lilley wrote, “expands the discourse of Indian contemporary art towards a complex meditation on vulnerability and continuity.” “Objects contain the meaning — migration, memory, ritual, celebration… as though they carry the weight of entire civilisations,” added Gupta in the curatorial note.

20 March,2026 07:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-day
Musaddik Abbas Tandel (in blue shirt) with his family after recovering from a life-threatening infection. Pics/By Special Arrangement

From small wound to severe illness: Rare melioidosis case shocks doctors

Thirty years after moving to Saudi Arabia for work, 58-year-old Musaddik Abbas Tandel returned home to Raigad hoping for a quiet retired life. Instead, a minor cut between his toes and routine unpacking work set off a rare and potentially fatal infection — melioidosis, caused by soil-borne bacteria. “I didn’t think much of the cut… it was small. But a few days later, the pain started. My knee swelled, and I began having difficulty breathing,” Tandel said. A rare diagnosis Melioidosis remains extremely uncommon and often under diagnosed. “This is only the fourth case I’ve seen in decades of practice,” said Dr Savla. Other specialists, including doctors from Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital and Lilavati Hospital, said they had not encountered such cases in their clinical experience, highlighting its rarity and the difficulty in identifying it early. Dr Honey Savla, consultant-internal medicine at Wockhardt Hospitals, who treated the patient for melioidosis and related complications Why this case stands out The infection entered through a minor cut, worsened through dust inhalation, and progressed into a multi-system emergency, affecting the leg and lungs. Its symptoms initially mimicked more common diseases, delaying targeted treatment. Musaddik Abbas Tandel, who contracted a rare melioidosis infection after returning to Raigad from Saudi Arabia Outcome “I am now pain-free, walking independently and breathing normally,” Tandel said, adding that he continues medication for blood clot management. What followed was a rapid and dangerous escalation As symptoms worsened, further tests revealed something far more serious than a routine infection. “When he came to us, he had severe knee pain, swelling and low oxygen levels. Tests showed Deep Vein Thrombosis, and the clot had already travelled to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism,” said Dr Honey Savla, consultant-internal medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals Doctors traced the source back to a combination of exposures: dust inhaled while handling old furniture and muddy water entering through the open wound. The culprit was Burkholderia pseudomallei, a bacterium found in soil and contaminated dust. Tandel underwent emergency surgery to remove the clot and stabilise his breathing, followed by a surgical cleaning of the infection. Despite the intervention, persistent evening fevers raised fresh concerns. “We treated him with intensive intravenous antibiotics for two weeks, followed by a course of oral medication to completely kill the infection. Because if not treated completely, this infection can relapse months later,” said Dr Savla.

20 March,2026 07:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika Gondhalekar
Representational image. File pic

Thane civic body backs naming new railway station after Anand Dighe

The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) on Thursday unanimously approved a resolution supporting the naming of the upcoming railway station between Thane and Mulund after Anand Dighe. As per an official statement, the resolution was passed during the general body meeting held on Wednesday, endorsing the proposal for the new station being constructed by Central Railway to ease congestion on the busy suburban corridor. The new station is being developed to address the growing passenger load between Thane and Mulund and is expected to significantly reduce pressure on the existing Thane Railway Station, offering much-needed relief to daily commuters. Originally, the project was estimated to cost over Rs 250 crore and was to be funded by the civic body under the Smart City initiative, with the Railways executing the construction. However, delays in approvals led to cost escalation, prompting repeated demands from the railways for additional funding from TMC. As per the officials, following sustained efforts by leaders, including Shrikant Shinde and Naresh Mhaske, the matter was escalated to Ashwini Vaishnaw.  Discussions were also held by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, urging the Railways to take on the full financial burden, especially in light of Thane Municipal Corporation’s strained finances post the COVID-19 pandemic. Demand to name station after Anand Dighe was raised in Parliament by Naresh Mhaske  Subsequently, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw agreed that the Railways would bear the entire cost of the project and informed the state leadership that a formal proposal had been sent to the Railway Board for approval. The general body also passed a separate resolution congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vaishnaw, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and MPs Shrikant Shinde and Mhaske for their roles in securing relief for the civic body. The demand to name the station after Dighe—popularly known as ‘Dharmveer’—was earlier raised in Parliament by Mhaske and later brought before the TMC general body for approval. Civic officials noted that Dighe’s contributions to Thane’s social and political landscape made the proposal a matter of pride for residents. The move has been welcomed across the Thane–Mulund region, with citizens expressing hope that the new station will enhance connectivity and streamline suburban rail travel.

20 March,2026 03:03 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
Representational pic/iStock

Horoscope today, March 20: Check astrological predictions for all zodiac signs

Do you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness today? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign for March 20. Aries  March 21 – April 20Try and complete all work required to be finished today, staying in late at the office if needed. Cosmic tip: Think about what kind of changes are required when dealing with the team/people. TaurusApril 21 – May 20A junior at work gravitates towards you when help with a project is needed. Those in a relationship meet their future in-laws.Cosmic tip: Know when to stop talking very frankly. Be true but diplomatic. GeminiMay 21 – June 21A work-related trip is not looked forward to because of the weather, but you can’t refuse either. The new diet is already showing positive results.Cosmic tip: Be grateful for an intensely happy life. Cancer June 22 – July 23It’s best to side-step a legal situation by talking it over, arriving at a mutually happy compromise. Making past positive karma pays off.Cosmic tip: Be grateful for the financial God smiling on you.  Leo July 24 - Aug 23Usually clear to the point of being blunt; this time you have to think before speaking. Try not taking the easy way out of a situation.Cosmic tip: State valid points if asked for an explanation. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Making lifestyle changes is a positive way forward, as long as there’s serious commitment. It’s best to walk away from situations that seem to be meandering aimlessly.Cosmic tip: Continue with regular exercises as advised. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Those about to get married seek blessings from elders for happiness and good fortune in every way. Cosmic tip: Be willing to learn from your experiences or someone else’s whom you trust. Scorpio  Oct 23 – Nov 22A new project/ assignment is a little complicated and takes about two days to understand every small, but important point. Cosmic tip: Be loyal and supportive towards that special person. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22These doubts and criticisms you face while introspecting are just karmic debts to be cleared. Cosmic tip: Be tolerant about a situation that seems never ending, but was a choice taken by you.  Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20It’s good to have positive self-worth, as long as it doesn’t stop you from understanding another’s point of view.Cosmic tip: Resolve a matter step by step without trying to cut corners. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Consistent new work/ business comes in, beginning a phase of hard work, bringing in immediate results. A change of residence is an option; as is selling property.Cosmic tip: Maintain this calmer mind. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Being attached to a mindset of black or white may also create too many unnecessary questions in your own mind, drawing in confusion. Health is good.Cosmic tip: Seek a simple solution.

20 March,2026 02:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley Bose
Mayor Rajiv Patil accepts proposal for emergency medical coach in Western Railway AC locals from Corporator Aashish Vartak. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Vasai-Virar Mayor seeks dedicated emergency medical coach in WR trains

With the Vasai-Virar region witnessing rapid population growth and rising healthcare demands in Palghar district, Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC) Mayor Rajiv Patil has raised a demand for a dedicated emergency medical coach in the forthcoming air-conditioned local trains on Western Railway. The proposal, forwarded through Corporator Aashish Vartak, highlights the life-threatening delays faced by patients needing urgent transfer to Mumbai hospitals. “In cases of sudden serious illness or accidents, people from Vasai-Virar and Palghar often face delays of around two-three hours due to heavy traffic on highways,” the mayor’s office stated, adding, “Such delays have, in some unfortunate cases, led to loss of life.” The suggested emergency medical coach would be equipped with basic life-saving facilities, trained medical staff, and arrangements for on-board treatment, enabling faster and safer transport to Mumbai’s major hospitals. Patil has already held preliminary discussions with senior Western Railway officials, along with Deputy Mayor Marshal Loppes, at VVCMC headquarters. The proposal also seeks coordination with the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) and the Maharashtra government to make the facility operational. Mayor pushes for medical coach to tackle road congestion risks The demand draws inspiration from the successful 108 ambulance service run by the BVG Group under the state government. Officials noted that most railway stations now have lift facilities on every platform, making it easier to move patients on stretchers during emergencies. If implemented, the medical coach could prove to be a significant step in saving lives in the Vasai-Virar-Palghar belt, where road congestion frequently hampers timely medical access. Mayor Patil has urged the state government and railway authorities to take up the matter urgently. “This is a matter of public health and safety. We hope a positive decision is taken soon after discussions with all stakeholders,” he said. Western Railway is yet to respond officially to the proposal, but the idea has gained support among local citizens and elected representatives in the region.

19 March,2026 11:27 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah Khan
MNS chief while addressing a gathering at Shivaji Park on Gudi Padwa. (Pic/Ashish Raje)

Raj Thackeray slams Modi government for not backing Iran amid West Asia conflict

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray came down heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Centre, criticising the Indian government for not openly supporting Iran amid the ongoing conflict. Questioning India’s stance, at his annual Gudi Padwa 2026 rally at Shivaji Park Ground, Mumbai, on Thursday, Thackeray asked why the country appears silent despite Iran being a long-standing ally, and suggested that such restraint does not reflect the historical ties and goodwill shared between the two nations. ‘Will prove costly in the future’ Speaking at the rally, Thackeray said that Iran has supported India on crucial issues such as Jammu and Kashmir in the past, yet India has not stood firmly by Iran in its time of crisis.  “Not a single statement has come from the Prime Minister on the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has also extended economic support by supplying oil through a rupee-based mechanism. This will certainly pose a problem for us in the future,” he added. ‘Coastal roads for outsiders’ Slamming the coastal road projects, he said, “While Marathi people are praising the coastal road, it is not meant for you. The road is for others to come in and Marathi people to go out.” ‘Despite the loan waiver, highest farmer suicides reported’ “Loan waivers for farmers have been announced thrice until now. But the highest number of farmer suicides is being reported in Maharashtra,” said the MNS chief. Marathi pride He also stated that the Marathi people are losing their pride.  “Once the situation goes out of control, it will be difficult to make a comeback,” he warned. Rising debt concerns  According to Thackeray, when Prithviraj Chavan was the chief minister, Maharashtra had a debt of Rs 2 lakh crore. “Now it is Rs 11 lakh crore,” he said, slamming the state government. Traffic congestion Taking a dig at the administration for poor roads and infrastructure, Thackeray said that if one orders pizza, it reaches within 10 minutes, but when citizens step out, they cannot reach anywhere in the same time. ‘Missing children a concern’ “Thousands of children, especially girls, are missing from Maharashtra and Mumbai. What kind of a state and city is it?” Thackeray said in a swipe at Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who heads the home department.  MNS chief urges citizens to give up Instagram Thackeray claimed that keeping people engaged on mobile phones is part of a ploy to keep citizens busy.“Mobile has become indispensable in human life. People are so involved that they are not aware of what's happening outside. They need to come out of Instagram,” the MNS chief appealed.  ‘One day, we will come to power’ Stating that MNS stands for Maharashtra, he is confident of coming to rule in the state. “One day, we will come to power. I am pretty sure about it,” Thackeray added. Why this year’s rally was closely watched Twenty years after Thackeray founded MNS, the party’s annual Gudi Padwa rally this year carries added political significance as it marks his first such address following an alliance with his cousin and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray.  After quitting the Shiv Sena in 2005, Thackeray floated his own party, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), on March 9, 2006. Ten days later, on March 19, 2006, he held the first rally at Shivaji Park. MNS chief pays tribute to Bal Thackeray, praises Sharad Pawar MNS chief Raj Thackeray said that the late Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray was among the first leaders to mobilise people around the idea of Hindutva and instil a sense of pride in Marathi identity, making locals realise their collective strength. He also praised Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, noting that the sight of people selling fruits on roads today is a result of Pawar’s policies and sustained push to support fruit farmers in the state. Marathi print on RSS Speaking about the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Thackeray claimed that of the six RSS chiefs, four were Marathi. “In fact, the organisation was founded by the Marathi only,” he reflected. ‘Maharashtra Next’ platform to connect citizens with government Thackeray also announced the launch of a new website, inviting people to participate and share their ideas and vision for the state. He said the platform, titled ‘Maharashtra Next’, will be open to all citizens to contribute suggestions and innovative thoughts aimed at shaping the future of Maharashtra. “This will first go to the committee of experts. Once approved, it will go to the government. This is a bridge between the citizens and the government,” added Thackeray.

19 March,2026 10:49 PM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev Shivadekar
Around 794 Naxalites have surrendered in Gadchiroli. Representational pic

Eleven Naxalites with Rs 68-lakh bounty surrender in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli

Eleven Naxalites, including five senior operatives, with a total bounty of Rs 68 lakh on their heads surrendered before the police and CRPF in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district on Thursday, news agency PTI reported, quoting an officer. The 11 include a divisional commander (DVCM), an area committee secretary, one people's party committee member (PPCM), a commander and an area committee member, a release from the office of the Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police said. "The Maharashtra government had announced a cumulative reward of Rs 68 lakh on them. Since 2025, a total of 123 armed Maoists have surrendered in Gadchiroli. Left Wing Extremism in the district has almost come to an end. Once active in all 10 sub divisions of Gadchiroli, it is now confined to border areas of Bhamragad sub-division," the release added. Till date, a total of 794 Naxalites have surrendered in Gadchiroli, it said. Gadchiroli Police set up new assistance centre in remote Bangadi village to curb Maoist activities In a major push to strengthen security and accelerate development in Maoist-affected regions of Maharashtra, the Gadchiroli Police on Thursday established a new police assistance centre at Bangadi. As per an official statement, this is an extremely remote village in the Bhamragad sub-division; therefore, the police assistance centre will help make the situation under control. Located just 8 km from Laheri Sub-Police Station and barely 2 km from the Chhattisgarh border, the newly set-up centre is expected to play a crucial role in curbing Maoist activities while improving access to government services in the region. The facility was constructed within 24 hours using a workforce of over 1,000 personnel, the statement further said. The operation involved C-60 commandos, Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) teams, newly recruited police personnel, 500 special police officers, and private contractors, supported by heavy machinery including JCBs, excavators, trailers, and trucks. The newly built centre is equipped with modern amenities such as Wi-Fi connectivity, portacabins, a generator shed, an RO water plant, a mobile tower, and sanitation facilities. Robust security arrangements have also been put in place, including deployment of Gadchiroli Police personnel, SRPF units, CRPF forces, and special operations squads, along with fortified bunkers and perimeter defences. Marking the occasion, a Jan Jagran Mela (public awareness drive) was organised, during which essential items such as sarees, dhotis, blankets, utensils, school supplies, and sports equipment were distributed to local residents.

19 March,2026 09:56 PM IST | Gadchiroli | mid-day online correspondent
Deputy CM Eknath Shinde leads the festive procession to welcome Marathi New Year Gudi Padwa in Thane on Thursday. PIC/X

Deputy CM Eknath Shinde leads vibrant ‘Swagat Yatra’ in Thane on Gudi Padwa

In an atmosphere filled with enthusiasm and cultural fervour, the annual ‘Navvarsh Swagat Yatra’ was held in Thane on Thursday to mark Gudi Padwa, the Maharashtrian New Year. The procession was jointly organised by Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) and Kopineshwar Sanskrutik Nyas. The yatra began at 7 am from Kopineshwar Temple after Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde performed the traditional ‘puja’ of the ‘palakhi (palanquin)’. Swagat Yatra chairperson Dr Dhanashree Lele was present during the inauguration. Among the prominent attendees were Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, Member of Parliament (MP) Naresh Mhaske, legislator Sanjay Kelkar, Mayor Sharmila Pimpalkar, Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao, Deputy Mayor Krishna Patil, House Leader Hanmant Jagdale, additional commissioners Sandeep Malvi and Prashant Rode, along with several corporators including Pawan Kadam, Sanjay Waghule, Narayan Pawar, Mrunal Pendse, Namrata Koli, and Madhuri Metange. Office-bearers of Kopineshwar Sanskrutik Nyas and a large number of citizens also joined in large numbers. The procession featured a colourful display of folk arts, innovative tableaux conveying social messages, dhol-tasha beats, aerial silk performances, mallakhamb, gymnastics demonstrations, traditional attire cycle rallies, group walks by various organisations, and a women's bike rally. Participants dressed in traditional clothing created an unprecedented crowd. The palkhi passed through rangoli-decorated pathways from Jambhli Naka to Dagdi School, where tableaux joined the procession. Floral showers (pushpavrushti) were offered on the palakhi at three locations: Chintamani Chowk, Hariniwas Circle, and Gokhale Road. This year marked a notable participation by the transgender community, who conveyed a message of equality through their involvement. Karnataka Sanskrutik Manch presented a cultural showcase, while tableaux from Bhagini Nivedita (on environmental messages) and TJSB Bank drew attention as highlights. Gudi Padwa 2026: Cultural performances, social themes tableaux highlight unity and awareness Vanavasi Kalyan Ashram presented Tarpa dance, Eklavya Krida Mandal from Yeoor showcased a blend of Warkari and Dharkari performances, Man:Shakti Kendra highlighted intellectual pollution, the transgender community featured an electric pink rickshaw, and Thane Netrarogya Association raised awareness on glaucoma through a tableau. Thane Municipal Corporation's water supply, gardens and tree authority, solid waste management, public health, and education departments and Rajiv Gandhi Medical College also participated with thematic tableaux. The event reflected the spirit of unity, tradition, and social awareness, bringing together diverse sections of society to celebrate the beginning of the new year with joy and cultural pride.

19 March,2026 07:30 PM IST | Thane
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