Chariots of Change: Thane Celebrates Gudi Padwa with a Message

The Shri Kopineshwar Trust’s 26th year of organising a welcome procession on the occasion of Gudi Padwa left Thane in awe. Since early morning, the city had been in a festive mood. It was enthusiastically celebrated with the sound of drums, lezim groups, young men and women dressed in traditional attire, and various chariots bearing social messages. 

The chariot departed from the Kaupineshwar temple in the morning. The concepts of ‘Samarth Thane, Strong India,’ ‘Vande Mataram: 150 Years,’ ‘India 2047,’ and civic duties, along with others, were showcased using 58 beautiful chariots. The women’s bike and cycle rally was the main attraction this year.

Participating in pink rickshaws, the transgender community took a strong stand for their rights. Speaking to the media, they clarified that they don’t want sympathy; they want equal rights. They demanded that the central and state governments provide equal opportunities in all sectors. Adopting a new identity as “Mangalmukhi,” he sent a message of bringing about positive change in society.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, MP Naresh Mhaske, Mayor Sharmila Pimpolkar, Deputy Mayor Krishna Patil, BJP MLA Sanjay Kelkar, MLA Niranjan Davkhare, Thane Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao, Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Malvi, former MLA Ravindra Phatak, Sanjeev Brahme of the Trust, Uttam Joshi, along with other leaders and colleagues of the organization were present at the ceremony.