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
Deputy CM Eknath Shinde leads the festive procession to welcome Marathi New Year Gudi Padwa in Thane on Thursday. PIC/X
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.
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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.
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