Political parties add colour to festivities

Political parties cashed in on the Maharashtrian new year to organise grand events across the city.

Political parties cashed in on the Maharashtrian new year to organise grand events across the city.

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The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), put up a 51-foot gudi at Malad. At Sewri, the MNS distributed free shrikhand to supporters and inaugurated an ambulance service. “India’s victory is a great boost for the celebration,” said Shalini Thackeray, vice-president, MNS Women’s Wing.

According to mythology, Lord Brahma created the world on this day after the deluge.

The Shiv Sena also held shobha yatras (grand processions) across the city, which boasted of both men and women in traditional wear. Competitions such as wrestling and cricket were held with winners getting fabulous prizes. Sena leader Bhau Korgaonkar said there is nothing wrong in parties deriving political gains during the fest.

“We are displaying our party symbols because we have organised these fests,” he said.

In all these programmes, the victory in the World Cup figured prominently with parties displaying the trophy’s model in these processions.

The BJP organised its programme under the banner of Parle Mohatsav Group. Men, wearing the traditional wear with pheta (Maharashtrian turban), and women clad in nine-yard saree danced to traditional music instruments such as dhol and tasha. Palkis of various deities were also taken around with devotees singing hymns

Floats depicting the kingdom of Shivaji Maharaj, Rani Laxmibai and a special Palkhi of Lord Natraj (The God of Art) were part of the colourful procession.

The Congress too joined in the festivities. At Naigaum, Congress legislator Kalidas Kolambkar organised a dance competition and revellers danced to music played by a DJ.