Thane, March 13 The 'Nava Varsh Swagat Yatra', to be held on Gudi Padwa on March 19 in Thane, will have world peace and unity as its central theme, organizers said on Friday.
The yatra, which began in Dombivali 26 years ago, has grown in size and importance, and now comprises 13 mini-processions across different areas to ensure wider participation, they added.
The main procession will feature a tableau of a 'Shivling' to convey a message of global harmony, said Shri Kaupineshwar Sanskrutik Nyas president Uttam Joshi.
The festivities will be launched by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde with the garland of the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The procession will also feature over 50 chariots focusing on themes like 'India 2047' and '150 years of Vande Mataram', along with a 10,000-foot rangoli by Sanskar Bharati.