DOMBIVLI: Dombivli came alive with colour, tradition and excitement on the occasion of Gudi Padwa, as a grand around 3-km-long shobha yatra was held, continuing a 27-year-old legacy of celebrating the Marathi New Year in a vibrant manner.Organised by the Ganesh Mandir Sansthan along with the Navvarsh Swagat Yatra Coordination Committee, the procession saw participation from thousands of citizens dressed in traditional attire.BJP state president Ravindra Chavan and Kalyan Lok Sabha MP Shrikant Shinde were also present, joining residents in the celebrations.The procession, which passed through key routes including Phadke Road, featured elaborate tableaux showcasing themes rooted in Hindu culture, with a prominent “Vande Mataram”-themed float drawing attention.This year’s highlight was a specially designed tableau depicting major development projects in the Kalyan Lok Sabha constituency. Conceptualised under the initiative of MP Shrikant Shinde, the development-themed float offered a visual representation of ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects in the region. A striking model of a proposed double-decker transport corridor—with roads and flyovers on the lower level and a metro line on the upper deck—emerged as a key attraction, giving a glimpse into the future of urban mobility.The tableau also included replicas of the ancient Khidkali Shiv Temple, currently undergoing beautification, and a super-speciality cashless hospital in Ulhasnagar, which has reportedly provided free treatment to thousands of patients over the past two years. In addition, models of the Sant Sawalaram Maharaj Mhatre Sports Complex, aimed at providing world-class facilities to youth, and the Agri-Koli Warkari Bhavan at Betawade were showcased.Thousands of onlookers gathered along the route to witness the procession, which began at Bhagshala Maidan and moved through Pendharkar College, Subhash Road, Madan Chowk and other key junctions before culminating at Phadke Road. Dhol-tasha troupes, folk performances and participation by Marathi film actors added to the festive fervour.Speaking to the media, MP Shrikant Shinde said the tableau was aimed at presenting a glimpse of ongoing efforts towards the holistic and rapid development of the constituency.Gudi Padwa marks the beginning of the Marathi New Year and symbolises victory, prosperity and new beginnings. Celebrations typically include hoisting a ‘Gudi’, making rangoli, and preparing festive delicacies such as puran poli.Regarded as one of the most prominent Gudi Padwa celebrations in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the Dombivli shobha yatra once again reflected the city’s rich cultural heritage while highlighting its aspirations for modern development.
