E-Paper
Social themes for this year’s Janmashtami
The importance of the gutkha ban that was announced in the state last month will resound at a dahi handi mandal in Ghatkopar’s Sanitorium Lane during the Janmashtami celebrations on August 10.
The importance of the gutkha ban that was announced in the state last month will resound at a dahi handi mandal in Ghatkopar’s Sanitorium Lane during the Janmashtami celebrations on August 10.
Social issues will be prominent during the dahi handi festival as several handis in the city have adopted such themes.
“We will put up huge banners to inform people about the ill-effects of gutkha,” said Pravin Chheda, a corporator who organises the dahi handi in Ghatkopar.
“Last year, we had decided to show our support towards Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption movement. Since hundreds of people turn up for the event, the impact of the social message is big,” he said. Not far away, in Ghatkopar’s LBS Marg, MNS leader Ram Kadam’s handi will highlight the corruption in toll collection in the state. “We wanted to spread awareness about the issue.Since we usually see about four lakh people at our handi, the message will be heard on a large scale,” said Kadam.
This year, a documentary will throw light on the issue along with stage shows. “The set is being made in a way so as to resemble a highway with toll collection posts,” he added.
Social issues have often been integrated with the festival over the years. NCP leader Sachin Ahir’s Sankalp Pratishtan in Worli had adopted the theme of female foeticide last year. However, this year, the handi will have a more religious look to resemble ‘Gokuldham’, where Lord Krishna is believed to have grown up.
Last year, the Bhartiya Vidyarthi Sena (BVS) which organises a handi at Shivaji Park, had associated with the Mumbai District Aids Control Society, a charitable trust established by the civic body, which helped promote awareness about HIV/AIDS.
Around 50 patients participated in the celebrations. “We haven’t finalised the theme for this year yet,” said secretary Dinesh Bobhate.
Stay updated with all the Breaking News and Latest News from Mumbai. Click here for comprehensive coverage of top Cities including Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, and more across India along with Stay informed on the latest happenings in World News.
