Grand Cultural Fest Marks Conclusion of ‘Makar Sankranti Mahotsav’ and ‘Hurda Party’

Delhi Celebrates Maharashtra’s Rich Folk Culture

New Delhi, Jan 2026 : The three-day ‘Makar Sankranti Mahotsav’ and ‘Hurda Party’, held at Naveen Maharashtra Sadan on Kasturba Gandhi Marg in India’s capital, concluded with a vibrant cultural extravaganza celebrating Maharashtra’s heritage. The festival, held from January 9–11, received an unprecedented response from Delhi residents and Marathi communities across North India.

Despite the biting winter, thousands of visitors attended the event, enjoying Maharashtra’s warm hospitality and authentic rural flavors. The festival’s main attraction, the ‘Hurda Party’, drew participants from across Delhi. Guests relished fresh tender jowar sprouts directly from the fields, along with peanut chutney, coconut, jaggery, and curd, creating a lively and joyous atmosphere.

The closing ceremony featured a special cultural program “Maharashtra Lok Sanskriti” organized by the Directorate of Cultural Affairs and curated by Jalgaonkar Arts, Navi Mumbai, which captivated the audience. The event opened with devotional chants ‘Swasti Shri’ and ‘Morya’, followed by Abhangs like ‘Vithu Mauli Tu’ and ‘Kanda Raja Pandharicha’, infusing the atmosphere with spiritual devotion. Performances of Lavani, Dhangari, Gondhal, Potraj, and Koli dances showcased Maharashtra’s rich cultural heritage.

Popular Lavani songs such as ‘Chandra,’ ‘Vajale Ki Bara,’ and ‘Patang Udivit Hote’ received thunderous applause from the audience. Timeless classics by Dada Kondke added a unique flavor to the program. The entire festival featured 48 artists, highlighting their talent across music, dance, and performance. The event concluded with songs glorifying Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, where Siddhesh Jalgaonkar portrayed Shivaji Maharaj with brilliance, leaving the audience mesmerized. The state anthem ‘Jai Jai Maharashtra Maza’ and the slogans ‘Jai Bhavani, Jai Shivaji’ reverberated throughout the Sadan, creating an electrifying ambiance.

Following the successful event, Resident Commissioner & Secretary R. Vimala expressed satisfaction at the festival’s success. She acknowledged the dedicated efforts of Resident Commissioner (Investment) Sushil Gaikwad, Director of Maharashtra Parichay Kendra Hemraj Bagul, Assistant Resident Commissioners Nitin Shende, Smita Shelar, Public Relations Officer Manisha Pingale, Accounts Officer Nilesh Kedare, Deputy Engineer Kiran Choudhary, Ashutosh Dwivedi, Security Officer Anil Chorge, and the entire staff of the Sadan and Parichay Kendra. She also extended special thanks to participants from the Agriculture Department and Umed Group, Fine Line Art Academy, producer and dance director Siddhesh Jalgaonkar, 48 artists and technicians, and the enthusiastic Delhi audience.

The Resident Commissioner highlighted that bringing Maharashtra’s culture and culinary traditions to a metropolitan audience like Delhi so effectively is a matter of pride. The festival successfully left a distinct imprint of Maharashtra’s identity on Delhi’s cultural landscape.