Gudi Padwa takes political centre stage, religious celebrations wear election hue

Nagpur: Almost every Maharashtrian household was abuzz with the Gudi Padwa celebrations in the city on Tuesday. With voting for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections just 9 days away, political parties and those in the poll ring tried to capitalize on Gudi Padwa — that marks the beginning of the first year of the Hindu calendar — for connecting with the masses.Though the day began with a thick cloud cover and a brief spell of early morning showers, it failed to dampen the spirits of Nagpurians. The gentle, cool breeze — in a season synonymous with sun spewing fire — made everyone join the celebrations with more enthusiasm.

Long bike rallies like the one organized by V Grace Events passed the thoroughfares of the city, a mass Ram Raksha recitation of at Sakkardara and Laxmi Nagar resonated with the spiritual fervour. Tiger Group’s cycle rally started from Sakkardara Chowk and reached Poddareshwar Ram Mandir. Being the first day of the auspicious Chaitra Navratri, devotees thronged Agyaram Devi temple, Maa Bhavani temple at Pardi, and Mahalaxmi mandir, Koradi.Shree Siddhivinayak Seva Foundation’s shobhayatra and mass Ram Raksha recitation was the key event in west Nagpur with deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis in attendance and actress Prajakta Mali as chief guest.The evening saw the melodious renditions of ‘Rang Mazha Weghla’ by Swaranand Academy, while NIT Park came alive with the vibrant hues of ‘Padwa Sanj’, a programme filled with music and festivities.Across Vidarbha, candidates and parties joined the masses to welcome the New Year. In Yavatmal, Shiv Sena candidate Rajashree Patil returned to her ancestral village of Sarangpur, raising the Gudi at the Pushpatai Babasaheb Mahalle Memorial Library named after her mother. Patil emphasized her strong ties to the village, highlighting her frequent visits and annual cultural events she organises there.In Amravati, MVA candidate Balwant Wankhade and former minister Yashomati Thakur raised the Gudi together at Rajkamal Chowk.Thakur used the opportunity to make a political statement. She said the Gudi symbolized resistance against inflation, unemployment, and the Modi government’s efforts to destroy democracy. She said that Gudi Padwa would mark Modi government’s ouster in the upcoming elections.In Bhandara-Gondia, BJP candidate Sunil Mendhe visited hamlets like Masgaon, Ambetalao, and Bhadanga in Goregaon tehsil. He paid respects to the Gudis erected there and engaged with the local population. A group of folk artists entertained the crowd while also promoting the achievements of the Modi government through their performance.
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