A beautiful celebration of Ganapati Bappa holding in mind thoughts of a safe and worry-free future, free of obstacles! That is his name after all- Vighnaharta (विघ्नहर्ता) and I am positive he will do nothing less for all of us!
It was a beautiful sunny day and things were simply perfect for the Bappa Palkhi followed by an invigorating round of MMD Dhol Tasha. Amar Awale, Yogesh Tambat and Manoj Patil unloaded the vehicles to get our inventory to the cafeteria floor. Kedar and Renuka Oka our newlyweds performed the pooja under the stellar guidance of Phatak guruji with prep and decoration from Anu Naik and Pradnya Tambat while the food team guided by Milind Vale scrambled to get everything ready. It was a task all right, 8 different items on 4 separate stations to be served by 32 servers. The food must be piping hot, that has always been our standard! And so it was. Meanwhile, Rangoli was in full swing with Manjiri Mahajan , Anita Narkhede and her team working diligently to get it completed on time.
Registration outside the auditorium with Smita Annigeri and Deepa Ingle in charge, working at a record pace to register and band our attendees. Vivek Naik policing the members to get bands and directing them to register. We do need Tea – you got that right! Sona Patil and Anju Vale managed that, much to the relief of all. Tables were dressed by now, young Mahima was our charismatic helper with many others who joined without hesitation.
Photos and more Photos. At the backdrop, at the tables, on the lawn, by Dhol Tasha, by the Bappa, with the Queen Miss USA India Vaidehi Dongre, with their husbands as well! Let us take them all! A frenzy with Photographers Shriyash Jalukar and Raj Joshi working hard to capture every moment.
Atharvashirsha recital and a mass Aarti recital reminded me of the good old days of Mahercha Ganapati! It was now time for Prasad followed by a sumptuous lunch.
Now we move up to the auditorium already set and ready, with Mansi Dahanukar, Varsha Pathre and Vikrant Patwardhan hard at work. Stage décor courtesy Yogesh Aundhkar set up, elegant with a gorgeous backdrop. Participants were eager to perform. 11 splendid performances with cuteness and grace overflowing on the stage. Enthusiastic Moms, I know would have almost jumped up and danced themselves while guiding the little ones to perform was a remarkable sight. Beautiful work from all the choreographers and the talented Maya Dahanukar on the Dias giving us just an apt description of the performances to follow. Shrikant Bhagwat diligently capturing it all.
It was time now for Bappa’s farewell! Dhol tasha team with Pranav Aundhkar was electrifying. Young and old dancing and singing in gay abandon. Was it over already? Too soon, I think! We had just started! Joy and celebration are just the perfect way to describe the day. Sound of the Dhol, the smiling faces of all the participants, the joyous onlookers, the return of Snehabandh and all thanks to the one and only Vighnaharta 🙏
* Please click Photos-I and Photos-II below the title of the event to see all pictures from the event!
When your Dhol Tasha Pathak makes waves, it is indeed a great feeling!! We want to take a moment to thank Pranav Aundhkar and his team for their outstanding performance at the 75th Independence Day celebration at Time Square! We are super proud of the team, their leadership and organization!
Rain looming over the forecast while we were still planning to go ahead with our first outdoor event after almost a year and half !!
Thanks Sunil Kelkar #1 to the spot with gazebo and generator!! Everyone trickled in right after and soon we had a crowd !!
A few decorations, bubbles to welcome , frisbees to play and a dhamaal start with our MMD DHOL TASHA group led by Pranav Aundhkar.
Panhe was our welcome drink and boxed lunch included delicious Pav Bhaji , Upma / chatni , Khoya jamun followed in the afternoon with Watermelon and MMD special Tea !
A great turnout and much fun watching the young children run with excitement for our standing Musical Chairs ! Bingo was fun too with a lot of the younger kids interested in playing the game !
The enthusiasm is back , fun is back and it is indeed a good feeling to meet up with friends and family!
Thanks for our four legged members who provided special joy !
Looking forward to our next event!
Thanks to all the Members and Non Members for your participation and help at the event!
It takes many hands to run a successful event!
Thanks to Varsha Pathre – Khoya Jamun pickup , Rajeshwari Bhagwat- decorations , Kedar Oka – our logistics one man army , Sunil Kelkar – tech support, Deepa Ingle / Kiran Ingle – panhe and inventory support , Milind Vale – Food Menu , Pradnya Tambat / Manoj Patil – Pav Team , Smita – water support, Sheetal Sonar – Bingo, Sanjay Mehendale – Gloves ( very important) and Harshad Annigeri- Photos
See the pictures of the event here!
Mandal Aaple aabhari aahe 🙏🏻
