**Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation Celebrates Kalaganesh Festival with Enthusiasm**
The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) celebrated its Kalaganesh Festival with great fanfare and a packed audience at the Vishnudas Bhave Auditorium. This event was part of the state-declared Ganeshotsav celebrations, drawing citizens together in joyous festivities.
**Inauguration Ceremony**
The festival commenced with an idol worship and lamp lighting ceremony, graced by Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, Belapur MLA Manda Mhatre, Municipal Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde, Additional Commissioner Sunil Pawar, and City Engineer Shirish Ardavad. Their presence set an auspicious tone for the celebrations ahead.
**Devotional Music and Live Art Captivate Audience**
Renowned singers Prathamesh Laghate and Mugdha Vaishampayan enthralled the crowd with soulful devotional music. Adding to the artistic vibrancy, artist Sagar Jadhav painted a live portrait of Lord Ganesha, while sculptor Atharva More crafted a clay idol right on stage.
Another highlight was calligrapher Ashish Tambe’s unique “Akshar Ganesh” exhibition, which featured intricate Ganesha images created from the names of all NMMC divisions. This innovative display drew much admiration from attendees.
**Showcasing Community Initiatives and Cultural Performances**
The festival also served as a platform to showcase community-driven initiatives. Products from NMMC’s textile recycling centre were displayed alongside seed-modaks prepared by women’s self-help groups, both receiving widespread appreciation.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, students from NMMC schools and various cultural groups performed energetic dance routines, infusing the event with color and joy.
**Leaders Emphasize Eco-Friendly Celebrations**
Speakers at the event emphasized the importance of sustainable festivities. Minister Ganesh Naik praised NMMC for bringing citizens together in a grand celebration and underscored the need for eco-friendly practices during festivals.
MLA Manda Mhatre highlighted Ganeshotsav’s role in fostering social unity, while Commissioner Dr. Shinde commended the community for adopting artificial immersion ponds and supporting plastic-free celebrations.
**Public Applauds Blend of Arts and Community Spirit**
The Kalaganesh Festival received an overwhelming response from the public. Audiences appreciated the harmonious blend of music, dance, painting, sculpture, and calligraphy showcased throughout the evening, celebrating both artistic expression and community spirit.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/navi-mumbai-news-nmmc-celebrates-kalaganesh-festival-with-music-art-and-eco-friendly-initiatives
