Heat cuts celebration: Maha Day events shifted from KP

Nagpur: In a likely first since the formation of Maharashtra in 1960, this year's Maharashtra Day celebrations in the city will not take place at the iconic Kasturchand Park but instead will be celebrated at the Divisional Commissionerate, Nagpur, with authorities calling off the grand ceremonial parade amid an intense heatwave.Divisional commissioner Vijayalakshmi Bidari confirmed to TOI that the programme will be conducted in a scaled-down format, with key ceremonial elements retained but without the traditional grand parade. "There will be manvandana, a guard of honour and the ceremonial salami, but no parade this year due to the extreme heat in the region," she said.Senior officials pointed to repeated instances in recent years where participants — particularly students and elderly attendees — have fainted or fallen ill after prolonged exposure to extreme heat. The concern is especially acute for decorated army and police veterans, many of whom are over 80 and often choose to remain standing throughout the proceedings, including performances and formal segments."Alongside the veterans, even police personnel participating in parade and students performing cultural activities have to endure the harsh sun," a senior official said, adding that the decision was taken after careful consideration of on-ground realities.Nagpur administration formally approached the general administration dept and protocol office at Mantralaya, seeking nod to change the venue and format. Approval was subsequently granted, allowing authorities to move the ceremony to a more controlled environment.While the ceremonial essence of the day will remain intact, the absence of the parade marks a significant shift in how the occasion is observed in the city. Traditionally, the event at Kasturchand Park has drawn large crowds and featured elaborate marches, student performances and public participation.