The event was really well-organised.There were so many pageants and groups out there show-casing their talent.The streets of Thane were buzzing with activity and traffic snarls were kept under control by the efficient traffic police.The Thanekars were dressed in their traditional best and they proudly participated in this spectacular event.At first there was a gymnastics performance by school kids at a nearby school followed by a street play on the importance of voting by youngsters.the play was really well-presented,the group was talented and put their heart in the act.In the middle of the street play we heard the sounds of the procession arriving at the place.At regular intervals there were organisers explaining the different tableau on display and they were being welcomed with an applause.
There were bright orange flags on long poles and gudhis being carried by men and women dressed in traditional attire.The men were in white kurta and dhotis while the ladies were in the nine yard sarees bedecked in jewellery.They all wore the traditional Maharashtrian nath too.The men wore orange phetas and even some women wore them.The Nashik Dhol taasha was played by the young boys and girls with great gusto.There were many vehicles carrying people with messages for the local crowds.There were many groups participating like the Tag group,Mudra dance group,GSB Seva Mandal,Upvan Arts Festival group ,etc.One group ,to our surprise,was distributing tulsi saplings to everyone.What an idea,Sirjee!! I loved it!What I did not like was that there was the bursting of fire-crackers by a particular group....causing air and noise pollution.
We enjoyed the whole procession and clicked away to glory.It was great to capture the different moods of the people at the fest.There were ladies dancing,playing the cymbals and the lezims too.many were distributing the traditional sweet batashas and neem leaves to the people.Many roadside stalls were set up to offer drinking water,rose infused water,lemon juice and rose flavoured milk to the weary yatris who quenched their thirst and were raring to go again!There were huge crowds at the roadside to witness the spectacular event.Some were viewing the scene from their balconies while others watched from terrace tops.many photo enthusiasts made the most of this opportunity and clicked away.There were many colourful rangolis all along the route.The old and the young were a part of the event in great numbers.I was surprised to know that this was such a huge event and so many attended it.I am glad I was a part of this and I had great company with me which made this all the more pleasurable.After the end of the procession we all went to Ghantali maidan to see the huge Rangavalli rangoli on display there.I was not so impressed as the pictures depicting the last few years rangolis were much better.In fact,I went to see a huge rangoli at Mulund the same evening and was amazed to see the wonderfully done rangoli on display there.
What a superb start to the beginning of a new year!!!Thoroughly enjoyed myself!
Heard that there is a similar and more huge event at Girgaon so I plan to go there next year for Gudhi Padwa......already decided.
