Nagpur: The Rani Laxmibai Durga Utsav Mandal, which has been organizing Nagpur’s grand Navratri festival for 18 years, continues to draw crowds from across Vidarbha. This annual celebration, renowned for its vibrant socio-cultural performances, has become a focal point of devotion and awareness, attracting visitors in large numbers.
The mandal’s Navratri pandal has evolved into a hub for raising awareness on various social issues, ranging from India’s freedom struggle to autism, literacy, and child labor. This year, the festival takes on an exciting new theme, centering around the mystical dragon, promising an awe-inspiring experience for attendees.
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Sat 21 Dec. 2024
Over the years, the festival has been graced by prominent figures such as Bollywood actress Asha Parekh, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and former Rajya Sabha MPs Ajay Sancheti and Vijay Darda. Their support has elevated the festival to a new level of recognition in the region.
Since its humble beginnings in 2006, the festival has grown significantly. It now stands as the only Navratri celebration in Central India that seamlessly blends devotion with cultural and social narratives. With over 50,000 visitors attending daily, the event is managed by a dedicated team of 50 individuals, combining youthful energy with experienced leadership. The mandal’s efforts have been widely recognized in the media, and they take pride in being the first in Vidarbha to launch a website, www.laxminagardurga.in, along with an active presence on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Beyond Navratri, the Rani Laxmibai Durga Utsav Mandal is committed to social welfare, supporting local communities throughout the year. The mandal regularly visits Matoshree Old Age Home near Adasa, providing essential supplies like medicines and food grains. They also extend support to orphanages by donating educational materials. To promote environmental sustainability, the mandal sets up artificial tanks annually for the eco-friendly immersion of Ganesh idols, ensuring that local water bodies remain pollution-free.
The organizers invite everyone to join the festivities and contribute to the social welfare initiatives. “Your participation would not only bless our efforts but also help spread the message of peace, harmony, and brotherhood in society,” the mandal said in their statement.
Schedule of Events for Navratri 2024:
– October 3: Installation of the sacred Durga ‘Ghat’
– October 5: Dance drama “Bhagwati” by Soniya Parchure and troupe from Mumbai
– October 6: Live concert “Abhang Repost” by a Mumbai-based band and “Ghazar” by Anand Shinde
– October 7: Devotional music presentation “Bhakti Swarabhishek” by singer Niranjan Bobde
– October 8: Talk on “Bharat: Today, Yesterday, and Tomorrow” by Marathi actor Sharad Ponkshe
– October 9: Tribute concert to Arijit Singh by singer Rahul Sali
– October 10: Spiritual Jaagran by Deepali and Sonali Dube
– October 11: Navchandi Yagya, followed by Mahaprasad and a cultural program
– October 12: Grand Dussehra Milan celebration
– October 13: Immersion ceremony of the sacred Durga ‘Ghat’
The festival promises to be a grand celebration of culture, devotion, and community, continuing its legacy of 18 years with the same fervor and commitment.
