Maharashtra Mandal Kuwait unites Marathi diaspora to honor its rich cultural heritage
The vibrant celebration of Marathi Bhasha Gaurav Din and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti featured a colorful array of activities, highlighting the deep-rooted traditions of Maharashtra, and was attended by over 180 members.
• Maharashtra Mandal Kuwait’s celebration of Marathi Bhasha Gaurav Din and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti was a memorable occasion, underscoring the importance of preserving and promoting the Marathi language and culture, even in a distant land.
By Papori Palkar
The Maharashtra Mandal Kuwait hosted a vibrant celebration of Marathi Bhasha Gaurav Din and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti, uniting the Marathi diaspora in Kuwait to honor their rich cultural heritage on February 27.
The event featured a colorful array of activities, highlighting the deep-rooted traditions of Maharashtra, and was attended by over 180 members. Marathi Bhasha Diwas (Marathi Language Day), observed annually on February 27, is a day dedicated to celebrating the rich cultural heritage and vibrant linguistic tapestry of the Marathi language. It holds immense significance for the Marathi-speaking community worldwide, commemorating the contributions of the legendary poet Vishnu Vaman Shirwadkar (Kusumagraj).
The session began auspiciously with the lighting of the lamp (Deep Prajavalan) at the portrait of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a great freedom warrior. One of the key highlights of the day was the Granth Dindi—a unique procession led by children carrying books in a beautifully decorated palanquin, symbolizing the power and importance of Marathi literature. The procession was a tribute to the intellectual legacy of Maharashtra and its renowned poets and writers who have contributed immensely to Marathi literature and language over the centuries.
Around 30 participants spoke passionately about the significance of the Marathi language, emphasizing its historical and cultural importance. The program also showcased a mesmerizing display of traditional Marathi arts, including rangoli, folklore, songs, and dances performed by children.
The vibrant performances captured the essence of Maharashtra’s cultural diversity and creativity, leaving the audience spellbound. The celebration provided a wonderful platform for local talent, with participants ranging from children to adults, all contributing to the event’s success.
A special feature of the event was an insightful virtual interview with Mr. Prasad Tare, a respected scholar of Maratha history from Pune, who shared his valuable knowledge on the life and times of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, further deepening the audience’s understanding of Maratha history.
The President, Mrs. Radhika Raghav Sadekar, expressed her views and delivered a vote of thanks to all the members. The event concluded with the national anthem and energetic chants of “Jai Bhavani! Jai Shivaji!” followed by dinner for all members.
Maharashtra Mandal Kuwait’s (www.mmkuwait.in) celebration of Marathi Bhasha Gaurav Din and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti was a memorable occasion, underscoring the importance of preserving and promoting the Marathi language and culture, even in a distant land.
