After all it is our New Year. This place has been seeing such shobha yatras for a while and we make it a point to come every year. We feel that we can keep our tradition alive, says Dhotre
On Sunday morning, the entire locality of Girgaum seemed to be out on the streets. One had to only ask around to learn that many from across the city were in the area to visit the shobha yatras.
“After all it is our New Year. This place has been seeing such shobha yatras for a while and we make it a point to come every year. We feel that we can keep our tradition alive,” said Anil Dhotre, a teacher from Andheri.
Devika Kunder, a seven-year-old girl came dressed as Jhansi ki Rani. “This is her first time. We like such traditional attire and have hence come to participate,” said her father.
Rera Kadam, dressed as Peshwa Bajirao, was made to sit on a dhol and people took several pictures of her. “Since she is bald, we decided to dress her like Peshwa,” said Preeti Kadam, her mother.
Flashing traditional wardrobes was not the only feature of the procession. Geeta Panvalkar came with her four-wheeler cycle which can seat four people. “We want to tell people that they should actively consider going to work on cycles instead of bikes,” said Panvalkar.
Several people queued up outside traditional eateries to enjoy delicacies that are popular during the festival. “We have panch pakwan made at home. Puran poli and shrikhand are among the various delicacies that are prepared,” said Siddesh Shirishkar. Sunday also marked the beginning of celebrations of Navratra.
MAHA'S NEW YEAR
- Gudi Padwa is the Maharashtrian New Year. The Gudi, an upside-down pot placed on a bamboo stick tied with a silk clot and placed on the right indicates an active soul, is symbolic of the victory over evil.
- Shobha yatras with lejhim and dhvaj patak, men and women in traditional attire, floats depicting saints were among the attractions.
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 "Gudi Padwa")
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