Festivals like Gudi Padwa and Ugadi are being celebrated across the city today with traditional rituals, cultural programmes, and community events. People in different localities are welcoming the New Year with enthusiasm.
Marking the onset of Chaitra Navratri, Gudi Padwa celebrations include the ceremonial hoisting of the Gudi, regarded as a symbol of prosperity, victory, and fresh beginnings. The Gudi is traditionally made using a bamboo staff draped in silk, decorated with neem leaves, mango sprigs, and topped with an inverted vessel.
On Wednesday, markets in Mahal, Sitabuldi, and Dharampeth saw a surge in shoppers preparing for the festival, with increased demand for rangoli, flowers, festive clothing, and decorative items.
As part of the celebrations, the Nav Varsha Swagat Samiti (Itwari Division) held its annual Women’s Bike Rally for the 18th year. The rally started at Agyaram Devi Mandir and concluded at Shri Poddareshwar Ram Mandir, covering major routes including Ganeshpeth, Tilak Putla, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk, Kelibagh Road, Badkas Chowk, Gandhibagh, and Agrasen Chowk.
Participants, dressed in traditional attire such as paithanis, rode motorcycles and scooters, many sporting fetas and safas, adding colour and cultural richness to the procession. A standout moment was a participant dressed as Lord Krishna in vibrant peacock-blue body paint, which drew admiration from spectators.
Students from Shri Chhatrapati High School and Junior College also performed a lathi-kathi demonstration, showcasing traditional martial arts.
In addition, several mandals and cultural groups are organising shobha yatras and performances, including dhol-tasha, lezim, and powada presentations, highlighting the cultural heritage of Maharashtra.
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