Maharashtra’s Republic Day award-winning tableau to be a key attraction at this year’s Gudi Padwa procession in Girgaon, adding to the scale and cultural significance of the annual celebrations, according to the Swami Vivekananda Yuva Pratishthan.
Gudi Padwa, which marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and the Chaitra month, will be celebrated on March 19. Girgaon, known for its traditional festivities, is set to host the 24th edition of the Hindu NavVarsh Swagat Yatra, popularly called “Girgaoncha Padwa”.
Procession route, theme and inauguration
The procession will commence at 8 am from Phadke Shri Ganpati Mandir on V.P. Road with a Gudi Pujan ceremony. Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar, Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha and Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde are expected to attend the inaugural event.
This year’s theme, “Vandya Vande Mataram”, marks 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram, the organisers said.
Key attractions and cultural displays
Among the major highlights will be a 20-foot statue of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, created using eco-friendly materials, with the ceremonial Gudi placed in the statue’s hand. The procession will be led by a Ganesh idol crafted by sculptor Pradeep Maduskar, while women and young girls are expected to perform Atharvashirsha chanting.
A series of thematic tableaux depicting Maharashtra’s cultural and historical legacy, including contributions of freedom fighters and social reformers, will be part of the procession. Performances by women biker groups, youth squads, dhol-tasha pathaks and traditional martial arts troupes have also been planned.
Decorative rangoli installations, cleanliness drives along the route, and cultural performances such as Mallakhamb, dance and musical presentations are expected to be part of the event.
Republic Day tableau to feature
The organisers said the Maharashtra tableau that secured first place at the Republic Day Parade 2026 in New Delhi is expected to be showcased during the procession, which could draw significant public attention.
Participation and concluding events
Several Ganesh mandals and social organisations from Girgaon and other parts of Mumbai are set to participate with their own themed displays. Prasad distribution and public engagement activities will also be held along the route.
The procession will culminate at Shamaldas Gandhi Marg with a Maha Aarti and concluding ceremony. A Sankalp Sabha is also scheduled at Thakurdwar Naka later in the morning, where noted personalities, including Avinash Dharmadhikari and singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan, are expected to be present.
Appeal to citizens
Office-bearers of the Swami Vivekananda Yuva Pratishthan have appealed to citizens to participate in large numbers, preferably in traditional attire, to mark the Hindu New Year celebrations in Girgaon.
