Thane marked the arrival of Gudi Padwa, the Marathi New Year, with a grand and vibrant procession that showcased a perfect blend of tradition and modern values. From early morning, the city was filled with festive energy as the beats of traditional drums, lively lezim performances, and youth dressed in ethnic attire brought the streets to life. Thematic floats carrying strong social messages added depth to the celebrations.

Organized by the Shri Kopineshwar Cultural Trust, the event celebrated its 26th year. The procession began with a ceremonial palanquin from the Kopineshwar Temple, followed by prayers at the Siddhivinayak Temple, and continued through major city routes amid huge public participation.

A total of 58 floats were presented, reflecting themes like “Samarth Thane, Strong India,” 150 years of “Vande Mataram,” “India 2047,” and civic awareness. One of the major highlights was the women’s bike and cycle rally. Women in traditional attire spread messages on environmental protection, social responsibility, and cultural values. Dance performances, sports displays, and tribal art presentations further enhanced the festive spirit, drawing large crowds to areas like Talavpali and Gokhale Road, where chants of “Har Har Mahadev” echoed.

Equal rights for the Third gender community

Over 55 organizations participated in the procession, including members of the third gender community through the Samarth Bharat platform. Riding pink auto-rickshaws, they raised a powerful voice for equality. They said, “We don’t want sympathy; we want equal rights. The time for begging is over—give us employment opportunities.” Emphasizing dignity and equal rights for all, they called on authorities to ensure fair opportunities across sectors.

Film celebrities add glamour to the celebration

The event also saw participation from actress Amrita Rao, who joined the procession in a traditional Nauvari saree. She praised Thane’s cultural vibrancy and said she felt proud to be part of the celebration. Admiring the enthusiasm of citizens, she also expressed hope for global peace and stability.