Journalism of Courage
Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati toast to eyes
The most-awaited Ganpati of the city for years Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati moved in only around midnight owing to the Mandai Ganpati halt. But the wait and the eagerness was worth the delay. The glittering idol,lit in red and yellow lights,was the toast of the night. Surrounded by a team of policemen and escorted by a police van,the idol witnessed devotees flocking in to catch a glimpse. Mobile phones,camera flashes and the shouts of Mangal Murti Moraya nothing else could have been a better salute to the pride of the festival. Songs such as Munni badnaam hu,Naad karaycha nay,Deva tujhya dari alo and He raje added to the charm.
Organisations chip in,provide facilities
Social organisation play an important role in the immersion process by providing facilities to people every year,and this year was no exception. Modern Vikas Mandal provided free medical facility to mandal volunteers and other citizens on Laxmi Road. A troupe of five doctors,three nurses and two ward boys was stationed on the road for 24 hours. We treated 22 patients in these 24 hours. Most of them suffered minor injuries in the crowd. Two patients suffered from high blood pressure but were treated immediately, organisation president Sandeep Butala said. Many organisations provided drinking water and arranged food for volunteers.
Students enthral devotees
Performances by students has also become an integral part of the procession. In the procession of Kesari Wada Ganpati,a few blind students performed mallakhamb. They were trained by national coach Shrinivas Havaldar. Taal pathak of Alandis Gurukul Ashram also grabbed attention. Zanj pathak of Swaroopvardhini performed their best in the procession. Troupes of Dnyndevi Gammatshala,all-girl dhol-tasha troupe Swayamsiddha and Bharat band also participated in the procession. Many children were draped in traditional attires.
