MPF Katraj celebrated its First Diwali Milan program on 28th October 2023. The venue for the event was the newly renovated Banquet Hall of Sai Palace Hotel in Narhe. The theme for the event was about celebrating Lord Krishna and his all-pervasive Leelas in His human Avatar. Four teams were formed before the event, and they prepared different performances like dance and play to depict a few important life events of Lord Krishna. Pre-event practice sessions really helped for close interactions within MPF Katraj families and brought them closer.
Everyone reached the venue by 6 PM, dressed in traditional Maheshwari attire for couples and Radha Krishna outfits for kids. All were welcomed by committee members with a Marwari pagadi for males and Krishna pendants for females. The venue was decorated with Radha–Krishna cutouts and idols.
The event started with Diya lighting by our guest Mr. Rameshji Toshniwal, Governor MPF Central, and Mr. Pramodji Laddha, President MPF Katraj, followed by Mahesh Vandana beautifully sung by Ishika Karwa. Celebrations kicked off with the Krishna Janma act depicting Vasudev carrying Balkrishna in the basket, and all dancing, showering flowers on Kanha.
The next performance was about Natkhat Kanha and His mischiefs with Gopis in Gokul. A wonderful depiction of Makahnchor and lovely complaints to Mata Yashoda in dance form. Lord Krishna saving all from the wrath of infuriated Devraj Indra and teaching him a lesson were wonderfully presented through a play. It marked the end of Indrapuja and established the practice of Mount Govardhan Puja in Gokul.
The Bacha party performed Sudama–Krishna bhet with Krishna enjoying food brought by Sudama, and everyone witnessed the true friendship. Krishna celebration cannot be complete without Raas Leela. Couples danced to the tunes of beautiful Raas Leela songs. The last performance was by committee members combining both forms of God Ram & Krishna in a dance.
Housie was conducted with a twist of God names instead of conventional numbers. The floor was then open to all for Dandiya/Garba with special Navratri songs. Couples and kids performed with high energy levels. All enjoyed the dinner that followed. The committee also grabbed the opportunity of Kojagiri Purnima, and hot milk was served after the dinner.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Diwali Milan director Mrs. Anupama Kasat and MPF Katraj President Pramodji Laddha.
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