
Maharashtra Day to be celebrated with folk arts festival and cultural events
Nagpur: The essence of Maharashtra's rich cultural, historical, and folk heritage will be vibrantly celebrated in Nagpur through a series of events organised on the occasion of
Maharashtra Day
.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
This day is observed annually on May 1 to commemorate the formation of the state in 1960.
A major highlight will be the '
Folk Arts Festival
' at VR Mall, Medical Chowk on Thursday, where
traditional dance and theatre
will take centre stage. A renowned folk dance troupe from Mumbai will perform evocative acts such as oral Ovi traditions, Vasudev, Gondhal, Lavani, Koli dance, and Dindi, alongside dramatic depictions of a farmer's life and the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Adding to the celebrations, Gandhi Sagar Garden Welfare Association will present 'Maharashtrachi Gaurav Gatha', a grand musical production by the Raja Shiv Chhatrapati Foundation, at 7.15pm on May 1 at Chacha Nehru Bal Udyan, Gandhi Sagar, Subhash Road. Directed by Shekhar Mangalmurthi and conceptualised by Milind Yeole, the musical will feature 65 artists in a powerful blend of music, theatre, and narration.
The celebrations will continue on May 2, with the 'Garja Maharashtra Majha' programme organised by the directorate of cultural affairs in association with Avishkar Kala Academy and Srijan Ovios. Scheduled for 6.30pm at Suresh Bhat Hall, this event promises a spectacular showcase of Maharashtra's historical, social, and artistic traditions. Conceptualised by Amar Kulkarni, coordinated by Gajanan Ranade, and directed musically by Anand Maste, the performance will feature around 500 artists from across the fields of music, dance, and drama.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Citizens are encouraged to attend these free, open-for-all programmes in large numbers.
Events:
May 1: The Folk Arts Festival at VR, Medical Chowk
May 1: Gaurav Maharashtracha musical at Chacha Nehru Bal Udyan
May 2: 'Garja Maharashtra Majha' at Suresh Bhat Hall, Reshimbagh
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
12 hours ago
- Time of India
Grand celebrations for 351st coronation ceremony of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Kolhapur: The 351st coronation ceremony of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was celebrated on a grand scale on Friday. Former MP Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati performed the traditional rituals on the idol of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Raigad Fort, where the actual coronation had taken place on June 6,1674. The coronation ceremony of the king is being celebrated at the fort over the last few decades owing to the initiative of former MP and Akhil Bhartiya Shivrajyabhishek Mahotsav Samiti. On Friday, Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati and his son Yashraje Chhatrapati performed the abhishek of the idol of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Raigad Fort. Powadas recited by shaheers brought enthusiasm among the people. Around 150 police officers, 1,600 police personnel, along with the traffic police team, state reserve police, Raigad police, riot control team, local rescue team, and volunteers, ensured that the celebrations were conducted peacefully. At the New Palace in Kolhapur, the residence of royal family of Kolhapur, a 'suvarna mudra abhishek' was performed by the royal family members in presence of MP Shahu Chhatrapati. On this occasion, royal family members Maharani Yadnyaseni Chhatrapati, Malojiraje Chhatrapati, Madhurimaraje Chhatrapati, Yashasviniraje Chhatrapati, and Yashrajraje Chhatrapati were present, along with a large number of citizens who arrived at the New Palace to witness the event. A musical band performance by Maratha Light Infantry was also held. Meanwhile, a colourful procession rally on behalf of the Akhil Bhartiya Maratha Mahasangh was taken out on Friday evening, in which hundreds of kids dressed as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Maharani Jijau participated. The procession commenced from Mangalwar Peth and went across the city streets with performance of traditional games like lathi-kathi, lezim, and Dhangari dhol troop. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !


Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Hindi Cinema's Maharashtrian Moment: Celebrating History, Icons, and Regional Pride
Hindi cinema is increasingly highlighting Maharashtra's history and iconic figures, showcasing regional narratives on a national level. Recent and upcoming films celebrate Maharashtrian heritage, from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's portrayal by Riteish Deshmukh to biopics on Sambhaji Maharaj, Veer Savarkar, and Dadasaheb Phalke. These cinematic ventures reflect Bollywood's commitment to honoring Maharashtra's diverse legacy and influential personalities. Hindi cinema is increasingly embracing the rich tapestry of Maharashtra's history and its iconic figures, reflecting a broader shift towards regional narratives that resonate on a national scale. From legendary warriors to pioneering social reformers and cinematic trailblazers, recent and upcoming films underscore Bollywood's growing commitment to celebrating Maharashtrian heritage. Riteish Deshmukh's Raja Shivaji: A Dream Realized Riteish Deshmukh, a proud Maharashtrian, is bringing his long-cherished dream to life with Raja Shivaji, a grand cinematic portrayal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Not only is Deshmukh directing and starring in the film, but he's also co-producing it alongside his wife, Genelia Deshmukh, under their Mumbai Film Company banner. The film boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Fardeen Khan, and Bhagyashree. The recently unveiled first-look poster has already generated significant buzz, promising a powerful depiction of the Maratha warrior's life and legacy. This is not the only project on Shivaji Maharaj, Rishabh Shetty riding high on success of Kantara has also signed a film to the play Maharastrain Icon for a film backed by Sandeep Singh who is known for his projects like Sarabjit and Swatantrya Veer Savarkar. Vicky Kaushal's Chhaava: The Saga of Sambhaji Maharaj Directed by Laxman Utekar, Chhaava chronicled the life of Sambhaji Maharaj, the valiant son of Shivaji Maharaj. Vicky Kaushal delivered a compelling performance in the titular role, supported by a cast that includes Akshaye Khanna and Rashmika Mandanna. The film, an adaptation of Shivaji Sawant's Marathi novel Chhava, was released on February 14, 2025, and has since become the highest-grossing Hindi film of the year, earning over ₹800 crore worldwide. Randeep Hooda's Swatantrya Veer Savarkar: A Bold, Unflinching Biopic Another significant addition to this Maharashtrian cinematic renaissance is Randeep Hooda's Swatantrya Veer Savarkar. Not only did Hooda portray the complex, controversial freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar on screen, but he also made his directorial debut with this intense biopic. Released in 2024, the film was lauded for Hooda's transformative performance and unflinching narrative. While it ignited debates owing to Savarkar's polarizing legacy, it was widely praised for reigniting conversations around India's freedom struggle and the figures history often sidelines. Ajay Devgn's Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior: A Historic Blockbuster No conversation about Maharashtrian history in Hindi cinema is complete without mentioning Ajay Devgn's Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior. Released in 2020, the film brought to life the story of Tanaji Malusare, a fierce Maratha warrior and trusted commander of Shivaji Maharaj. Directed by Om Raut, the film was a visual spectacle, known for its grand action sequences and gripping storytelling. Starring Devgn, Saif Ali Khan , and Kajol, Tanhaji was both a critical and commercial success, grossing over ₹360 crore worldwide and earning a National Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Bajirao Mastani: A Visual Spectacle Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 2015 epic Bajirao Mastani brought the tale of Peshwa Bajirao I and his love for Mastani to the big screen with grandeur and opulence. Starring Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, and Priyanka Chopra, the film was celebrated for its production design, powerful performances, and Bhansali's directorial mastery. It remains one of Bollywood's finest historical dramas and a testament to the cinematic potential of regional narratives. Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani's Upcoming Dadasaheb Phalke Biopic Aamir Khan and director Rajkumar Hirani are set to collaborate on a biopic of Dadasaheb Phalke, the father of Indian cinema. The announcement has generated excitement, especially with reports of another Phalke biopic involving Jr NTR and SS Rajamouli. Adding to the intrigue, Phalke's grandson has publicly endorsed the Khan-Hirani venture, expressing confidence in its authenticity and vision. Phule: Honoring Social Reformers Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule Directed by Anant Mahadevan, Phule explores the lives of Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule, pioneering figures in India's fight against caste discrimination and champions for women's education. Starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa, the film released on April 25, 2025, after a brief CBFC-mandated delay. Critics praised it for its sensitive storytelling and the relevance of its themes in today's society. A Cinematic Renaissance of Maharashtrian Narratives The recent surge of films centered around Maharashtrian icons reflects Bollywood's renewed interest in regional histories that have shaped India's socio-cultural landscape. From the bravery of Shivaji and Sambhaji Maharaj to the reformist zeal of the Phules, the cinematic legacy of Dadasaheb Phalke, and the complex persona of Savarkar, these narratives celebrate Maharashtra's rich, diverse heritage. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .


Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Reddit responds to Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin's possible return to Russia: 'Everyone knows this'
Alex Ovechkin (via Getty Images) The news of Alex Ovechkin's probable departure for Russia following the 2024–25 NHL season wasn't made in a presser or team announcement — it was revealed through an offhand interview with his wife, Anastasia Shubskaya, in which she mentioned the family would return to Moscow when his contract with the Washington Capitals ended. Fans on Reddit, as well as critics, turned to their keyboards once this news was revealed. Fans react after Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin wife Anastasia Shubskaya confirms the Russia move The hockey world was quick to respond to Anastasia Shubskaya's comment: 'Alexander still has a contract for a year. So we will play the next season and then fly back to live in Moscow, our homeland. We will stay in Russia, yes.' But Reddit's hockey community, specifically on r/hockey, was already far ahead of the news— and had no lack of opinions. 'It's weird this is so discussed. He's been very vocal about wanting to bookend his career by finishing in Russia, like so many Russian greats do. He's also going to be 40, and he'll have nothing left to accomplish in the NHL,' one user posed. Someone replied, 'Yeah, I saw him say this verbatim in an interview a few years ago: play until he's 40 in DC, then go back to Russia for one last season with Dynamo Moscow, then retire.' Other users joked about the media hysteria: 'So… exactly what Ovi said earlier in the season. Why is this a story?' Others theorized that the Washington Capitals are deliberately waiting until later to make an official statement so they can give Alex Ovechkin the sendoff he deserves. 'Yes, everyone knows this. The Caps and Ovi just don't want some lame STH email to be the announcement," one user wrote. 'I'm sure the Caps and Ovi are planning an announcement to come either late this summer or early in the season.' But not all of the comments were hockey-related. Reddit forums also took a sharp detour into geopolitics, as Alex Ovechkin's public display of affection for Russian President Vladimir Putin once again came up for discussion. 'Is it really that clear? Yeah, sure, he has Putin in his Instagram profile picture, but that could mean anything (/s),' one commenter noted, which brought forth a tempest of responses. 'The sooner he goes back, the better. Celebrating Putin's puppet makes no sense,' another wrote. 'Yup. But people who brush off Ovi supporting Putin as a simple matter of ideological alignment are just plain ignorant of geopolitics and the monster that Putin really is. It's much more than 'It doesn't matter who he voted for; he's a great hockey player',' another replied. Even with the split opinions, what is certain is that Ovechkin's departure, whenever and however it is officially announced, will not be easy or politics-free. His record — as the NHL's second-best goal scorer in history and a former Stanley Cup champion — is solidly established, but his persona off the ice is still divisive. Alex Ovechkin's goodbye will be memorable — and anything but controversy-free Regardless of whether fans share his personal opinions or not, Alex Ovechkin's NHL career is in its penultimate lap. With one year left on his deal, and a return to Dynamo Moscow apparently in motion, the discussion has already turned from 'if' to 'how.' Also read: Capitals spark retirement panic after wrongly declaring Alex Ovechkin's last season On Reddit, the reaction is a microcosm of his broader legacy: awe for his on-ice dominance, concern over his political affiliations, and sharp opinions from every angle. But love him or loathe him, Ovechkin's final season in Washington will be must-watch — and his final departure will stir as much emotion as the goals he's scored across two decades.