This spring-time Hindu festival of Gudi Padwa was ushered in with great joy and celebrations this year too, in Mumbai on the 6th of April, 2019. Conducting religious pooja at home, donning the festive costumes, cooking traditional Maharashtrian cuisine, meeting and greeting the elders in the family and also visiting friends is the norm of this festival.

This year’s festivities for me began with a smile and a simple pooja to the ‘Gudi’ that was made by the kids from an NGO (non-governmental organisation) Asmita, located in Borivali, Mumbai. Striving towards helping the underprivileged children and also the special kids by providing them a direction in life, this NGO is guiding and training them in skills which help the kids become self-reliant. The selfless service by the volunteers like my friend Madhavi Gavankar and the entire team who also happen to be the locals, by dedicating time to train these children is worth mentioning. A visit to this NGO is soon on the cards but until then the images from the festival and the festivities thereof for this portfolio.

Since last year, Gudi Padwa is synonymous with joining the people and spending the day watching the event held at Girgaum. Sarvajanik (public) Gudi Padwa celebrations are conducted with great gusto by holding the Shobha Yatra. It is here in old Mumbai that the entire action of Gudi Padwa takes place. This year was no exception even with the metro work taking over the main streets of Girgaum majorly, the event saw great participation from the young and old alike. The Lezim group, Nashik dhol troupe swaying and drumming and enthralling the crowd and the stunning Lady bikers with the swag that is unique to them stole the show! but the kid soldiers of the Shivaji Maharaj army were the eye candies. Tableaux was also a striking feature of this event. Men, women and children all participated in their colourful best. Shutterbugs had a field day clicking away each and every moment as the procession continued through the day. It was indeed an opportunity to be a part of the festivities and make some memories.