Mumbai Fest opens with Hema Malini's 'Ganesh vandana'

Mumbai, Jan 19 (UNI) The Mumbai Festival commenced here with Bollywood actress and Bharatnatyam exponent Hema Malini offering her 'vandana' to Lord Ganesh.

It started on January 17 and continue till February 3.

Artistes from various countries like Japan, Germany, Australia, US and Scotland are participating in the festival, in its fourth year.

Conceptualised and organised by the Tourism Co-operative, the event is a partnership between public and private bodies, and is led by a Committee consisting of some eminent personalities from fields of art, dance, music, tourism, advertising, media, NGOs and education.

Senior officials from the Central and state governments, including defence authorities and Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, are also in the committee, of which Colonel Sudhir Sawant is the Convener.

Speaking here, MFC chairman Kamal Morarka said, ''We want the festival to be world-class and yet distinctly local in character. We want to portray the unseen and untouched dazzling colours of Mumbai to all Mumbaikars and visitors.'' MFC vice-chairman Vijay Kalantri said, ''Mumbai Festival is not the celebration of an occasion, rather it celebrates Mumbai as a place and the people residing in this speedy city, that never waits even for the sun to rise in order to get going. Mumbai Festival is not an event conceived, planned and designed by one or few individuals. It is the result of the collective efforts of numerous people and organisations.'' Whether it be gully cricket, musical competition, marathon or dance programme, the package of Mumbai Festival has it all. There has been no appointing or selecting authority. Anyone, who contributed in any form, could become a part of the team, allowing every participant to develop his own part and finance the same, informed Mr Morarka.

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