MUMBAI: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Wednesday said his party will not hold its annual Diwali celebration, Dipotsav, at Shivaji Park in Mumbai this year due to the severe drought in the state.In a video message, Thackeray also appealed to people in Maharashtra to celebrate Diwali mindfully, news agency PTI reported.He said it would not be prudent to celebrate festivals extravagantly when rural Maharashtra is reeling under a severe drought, farmers are facing financial pressure and thousands are migrating to cities as a result.The Maharashtra government has declared 85% of the state drought-hit following deficient rainfall this year and announced interim aid of Rs 5,000 to farmers before Diwali.Thackeray said the Dipotsav would be organised next year if the situation hopefully improves.
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The MNS’ Dipotsav attracts thousands of people every year.Shivaji Park and the surrounding area are decorated with lights, while a synchronised firecracker display is part of the celebration, PTI reported.The event is inaugurated by prominent public figures. In 2023, then chief minister Eknath Shinde and deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is now the chief minister, attended the celebrations. In 2024, legendary scriptwriters Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar inaugurated the Dipotsav.Last year, ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation polls, Raj Thackeray and his cousin, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, inaugurated the event together.(With agency inputs)
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