The vibrant 10-day Ganeshotsav festivities were celebrated at Maharashtra Mandal London with pomp and gaiety from 17th to 27th September 2015. A variety of programmes was hosted daily during the period, ranging from traditional instrumental jugalbandi to audio-visual show on Gulzar’s works, from scintillating antakshari competition to Marathi cultural showcase.
The key event on 26th September was attended by several dignitaries, including Bob Blackman, MP for Harrow East, Mayor of Brent Cllr. Jones, Mr Saikat Sen Sarma, First Secretary (Economics) from High Commission of India and C.B Patel, Publisher/Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar. In view of the 25th year of Ganeshotsav celebrations of the organisation, members who have significantly contributed to the success of the celebrations for the past two and half decades have been honoured with mementos.
Popular talent showcase for kids, Bal Darbaar, was organised during the afternoon in which about 60 kids from different arts organisations in London and from Milton Keynes have exhibited their singing, dancing and instrumental talents to an excited audience. Interesting cultural programme entertained the attendees in the evening. The traditional immersion of deity in River Thames was the grand finale on 27th September, with Dhol beats resonating throughout the Miravnuk procession. Maharashtra Mandal London is an eighty three year old organisation established in 1932 and has the distinction of being the only socio-cultural organisation in Britain that celebrates the Ganesh Festival traditionally throughout all 10 days with dedication and fervour.
