Gudi Padwa celebrated on a low key in Navi Mumbai

NAVI MUMBAI: This year, Gudi Padwa was celebrated on a low key as opposed to previous years owing to the drought-like situation in the state. Many local outfits have highlighted the water scarcity issue in the state that has dampened the celebrations in areas like Panvel and Uran. Political functionaries and volunteers were also few in numbers. Reason being, the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
However, some social-cultural organizations joined hands to organise Swagat Yatras.In Panvel, women were dressed in traditional colourful attires and were seen riding bikes. While the youth pedalled their way to advocate the importance of saving water.
The Muslim and Sikh communities, too, joined in the celebrations by participating in mass procession to welcome the New Year.
“Every year, we make it a point to participate in the welcome procession with our children to create an ambience of multi-religious congregation. Similarly, our Hindu friends keep taking part in our festivities. This indicates the rich ethnicity of India,” said Jagjeet Singh. The procession began from Mariama temple near Juhugaon and ended at Shivaji Chowk in Vashi.
Meanwhile, Marathi Foundation of Kharghar organized a Sobha Yatra. Through this, they went on to spread the message of the importance of three colours—red, blue and green. While red stands for blood, green stands for nature and blue for water and wetlands, said Mangesh Ranawade an activists and chairman of the foundation.
During the rally women showcased their skills by performing a lezim dance. They were also seen showing off their swords fight skills. A variety of traditional games like phugree and kho-kho were also held.
Residents from Sector 35 in Kharghar took part in the morning procession, while children were seen riding on bullockcarts, which is an age-old tradition on Gudi Padwa. Residents also stressed on the importance of organ and blood donations. Some also carried placards and hoardings with messages on global warming, save trees, importance of wetlands and much more. “We began the day by dressing up in traditional outfits. A small puja is then conducted at home after which everyone joined in the yatra at 6.45am. We then visited the temple to seek the blessings of the lord and went home and binged on a sumptuous meal,” said Shahu Kadam (50), a Kharghar resident.