Musical Program ‘Sur-Sangam’ at Maharashtra Sadan, Showcasing Marathi Culture During Ganeshotsav

New Delhi, Sept 2025 : With Ganeshotsav having been accorded the status of a state festival, the Department of Cultural Affairs is organizing grand cultural programs both in Maharashtra and in Marathi-dominated regions outside the state. These programs aim to highlight Marathi art, culture, and music across the country while also providing a national platform for artists. Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar conceptualized these events, and under the guidance of the department’s secretary, Dr. Kiran Kulkarni, they are being successfully executed. Programs are being held in Delhi, Dehradun, Vadodara, Belgaum, and Goa on the occasion of Ganeshotsav.

As part of this initiative, on September 1, the Nagpur-based group Sur-Sangam presented a musical performance at Maharashtra Sadan in New Delhi. The program, curated by Sachin Thombare and Surabhi Thombare, mesmerized the audience.

In the performance, international singer Surabhi Dhomne (of Zee SaReGaMa fame) and Ambrish Joglekar captivated listeners with their melodious voices. Internationally acclaimed musician Sachin Dhomne managed the musical arrangements, while Parimal Joshi, Manoj, Subhash, and Navin provided excellent instrumental support. The narration was handled by Dr. Manoj Salpekar, and Rishabh Dhomne successfully managed the sound system. The audience responded enthusiastically to the diverse musical presentations.

In addition, the Directorate of Cultural Affairs is organizing cultural programs at five venues outside Maharashtra. Programs were successfully held at the Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, from August 27 to 29, 2025. Upcoming events include one at K. M. Giri Auditorium, Belgaum, on September 3, 2025; at Sir Sayajirao Nagar, Vadodara, Gujarat, on September 4; and in Goa on September 5, 2025, for the Marathi community.

Through these initiatives, the legacy of Marathi art, culture, and music is reaching audiences across India and abroad. The Directorate’s Director, Vibhishan Chavre, has invited art lovers to enjoy these cultural programs.

At Maharashtra Sadan, the pran-pratishtha (installation ceremony) of Lord Ganesha was held on August 27 with great enthusiasm and devotion by MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde. Under the guidance of Resident Commissioner and Secretary R. Vimala, an exhibition showcasing the handicrafts of self-help groups was also inaugurated.

The handicraft exhibition at Maharashtra Sadan has been receiving an overwhelming response from Delhi residents. Maharashtra government’s initiative has earned special appreciation from dignitaries across various fields, with many visiting for Ganesh darshan. Visitors included Vice-Presidential candidate and Maharashtra Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan, former Governor Ramesh Bais, Union Minister of State for Social Justice Ramdas Athawale, Principal Secretary and State Chief Electoral Officer S. Chockalingam, and resident commissioners of various states in Delhi.

During Ganeshotsav, Maharashtra Sadan hosted several programs: Kalarang by Dipali Kale, a Hindi songs concert by Devu Mukherjee, Santvani by Dr. Pt. Sanjay Garud, a Marathi-Hindi dance presentation by Adilila Foundation and Rachnatmak Seva Organization, and Sur-Sangam by Sachin and Surabhi Thombare. These events gave Delhi residents a glimpse of Maharashtra’s rich cultural and handicraft traditions. The festival truly became a celebration of Marathi culture.