HMM Celebrates Maharashtrian Padwa

HMM

By  Shilpa Nagle

HOUSTON: Houston Maharashtra Mandal organized yet another great program on the occasion of Gudi Padawa, Hindu new year.  Almost 250 people attended the event.

This event started with traditional way by performing Gudi pooja, by two elderly couples from community. The importance of Gudi Padawa and introduction of program was nicely narrated by Achala Bapat. (Vice President, HMM 2016)

Program based on very unique and innovative idea by Nishad Kanhere.

“Apan Hyana Aikalt Ka?” (“Have you ever heard them?”)

It’s featured on finding out hidden talent of Marathi community in Houston. Actually not hidden talent but a talented persons who have not performed in any of the HMM’s program till date. Because of this these talent was unknown to most of the community.

Shekhar Phatak, Neha Dikshit , Amit Parchure, Deepali Kulkarni, Vrunda Manake. These singers accompanied with awesome musicians, Nishad Kanhere and Prasanna Joshi on Tabala, Shekhar Phatak on Harmonium, and Mandar Phadake on Harmonium and Organ, actually rocked the stage. The program was very nicely anchored by Dipti Kanhere and Akshay Deshpande.

One of the highlights was an Organ, a traditional instrument. It’s just like a Harmonium, but it is played sitting on the chair, like piano. This organ is made by a Houston based Mr. Mohan Ketakar, who was also one of the supportive musician.(popularly known as Ketakar kaka.) . And it’s very nicely played by Mandar Phadake.

HMM 1

To make this event unforgettable, a team of photographers worked hard to capture moments. They are  Ravi Ozarker, Rajesh Thatte and Abhijit Dikshit.

After this heartwarming and ear soothing program everyone was pleased with the delicious Maharashtrian food from Bhojan with special sweet Shrikhand, Puri and ending with Paan.

Now HMM is ready with one another event on May 15, “Anand Gandharva”. Tickets are available online on hmmhouston.org.

Every program is a great success with the great supporters.

HMM president Megha Ozarker thanked the members, non-members, attendees, volunteers, and all the sponsors who are always there with HMM.

And three cheers to all HMM 2016 Committee Team Members whose great efforts are always behind every successful event.