Thane, March 19 Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Bollywood actress Amrita Rao joined the Gudi Padwa celebrations in Thane on Thursday, as people decorated the city with colorful "gudis," flags, and traditional rangolis to mark the Hindu New Year.
The word "Gudi" means a flag, and "Padwa" is Pratipada, the first day of the new moon phase. People in Thane and other parts of the state hoisted "gudis" at their homes, which is considered auspicious and believed to bring good luck and fortune.
A grand procession, organized by the Sri Koupineshwar Sanskrutik Dnyas (a local temple trust), featured more than 50 colorful floats, and for the first time, saw the participation of transgender community members.
Deputy CM Shinde and local MLA Sanjay Kelkar carried a palanquin of the presiding deity of Koupineshwar temple on their shoulders for some distance.
A second palanquin carrying the idol of Goddess Durga was carried by women dressed in vibrant traditional costumes.
Shinde and Kelkar also offered flowers at the palanquins carrying the deities at Chintamani Chowk.
Actress Amrita Rao, dressed in traditional Marathi attire, also attended the event. She expressed her delight at the scale of the celebrations.
"I have never seen such commendable enthusiasm elsewhere. The participation of both the youth and the elderly in Thane is remarkable," she told reporters.
The procession route was adorned with decorative arches, flags, and massive rangolis.
Adding a multicultural flavour, the Karnataka Mahasangh showcased Yakshagana, Huli Kunitha, and Chende percussion performances.
Thane Lok Sabha member Naresh Mhaske and Mayor Sharmila Pimpalolkar were among those who attended the celebrations.
Similar festive processions were also taken out by people in other parts of Thane and neighbouring Palghar district.