Thaneites herald new year with 'Swagat Yatra'

Thane, Mar 19 (UNI) Thaneites today heralded Gudi Padwa, the Hindu new year, by holding a 'Swagat Yatra' (welcome procession) here.

The 'Swagat Yatra', organised by the Kopineshwar Cultural Committee of Shree Kopinehswar temple, commenced at 0830 hrs from the temple and proceeded through the whole of Thane and ended at the temple again.

The 'Swagat Yatra' was held with the aim to unite people from all walks of life irrespective of caste, creed and religion, reception committee chairman of the temple Yogacharya Shrikrishna Vyavhare and temple trustee M Y Gokhale, who guided the procession, said.

The star attraction at the event was teenaged singing sensation from Thane, Anagha Dhemse, who won Zee Marathi's 'Mahagaiika' award.

Apart from the procession, a number of organisations displayed floats with special themes.

The procession was dotted with people singing bhajans and lazim troupes swaying to drum beats.

The 'Swagat Yatra' ended at the Kopineshwar temple where winners of various competitions were announced.

The best float prize was won by the CKP Samaj, which had depicted the picture of the 1857 freedom struggle and its martyrs.

Similar processions were taken out at several places in Thane and also adjoining areas of Dombivli, Kalyan and Bhiwandi.

UNI