Dwarka is witness to a flurry of activities with last-minute preparations for Ganesh Chaturthi. Everyone, particularly children, are excited to have their favourite god back in the neighbourhood. People from all communities, their religious affiliation notwithstanding, look forward to celebrating this special day.
Though the Maharashtrian community will be celebrating on a grand scale under the aegis of Maharashtra Mitra Mandal, various RWAs and cultural organisations, too, will celebrate the festival inside their society premises.
At Upkari Apartments, Sector 12, celebrations have been organised by Jagannath Seva Sangh, a community of Oriya people in the city. The day will be celebrated in Oriya style, with Odissi dance performances and a traditional spread. Shishir Das, a resident and a member of the organisation, says, “We celebrate this festival every year in our own way. Though just a day-long event, it offers a great opportunity for the Oriya community across the sub-city to bond and mingle. One can also enjoy traditional food.”
Maharashtra Mitra Mandal will be celebrating at Park Royal Society, Sector 9, this year. The festivities begin tomorrow morning. Anirudh Shukla, a member, shares the itinerary: “We will celebrate for the whole week, beginning tomorrow. We will start with Pran Pratishtha at 5.30 pm today. The cultural events and other community activities will start tomorrow. Around 8.30 am tomorrow, local artists have organised a musical event.”
This year, the focus will be on children and community participation. Shukla adds, “There will be painting competitions, games and other events. Besides, the ladies will set up food stalls. Aarti will happen every day at 7.30 am and 7.30 pm. On the final day, visarjan will take place around noon.”
