Thane was at its festive best on Friday evening. Amongst tight security, the 84th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan (ABMSS) commenced with much fanfare and celebrations at the Dadoji Konddev Stadium at around 7 pm. A huge crowd stood with bated breath as ABMSS President D. B. Kulkarni, undid the ribbon, declaring the festival open.
However, prior to the formal inauguration, the celebrations of the Marathi Lit fest started with the Granth Dindi. A ceremonious pooja at poet P. Savalaram’s residence at Brahmin Society, Naupada marked the beginning of the march, from where it proceeded to the stadium via Ram Maruti Road in Thane. A total of 1,000 school and college students participated in the march, which was brimming with enthusiasm.
Several onlookers were seen marveling at the tribal dance, which marked the beginning of the march, followed by the procession of historical Marathi Literature, shouldered by the women folk. A total of 84 school children were seen wearing book covers of famous Marathi books, marking the 84 years of the festival.
The Granth Dindi, which started at around 5 pm from Naupada reached the stadium by 6.45 pm, where it was welcomed by a huge cheer and applause from the crowd already present at the stadium.
The festival which ‘officially’ begins from tomorrow, will witness an average of 30, 000 visitors daily. Around 450 volunteers will be working throughout the event, which will conclude on December 27. Moreover, announcement pertaining to next year’s venue and a new president for the ABMSS would be made on the last day.