MNS cancels Mumbai Dipotsav celebration due to state drought
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray urged people to be mindful during Diwali as rural areas face severe water shortages.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray announced on Wednesday that the party will not host its annual Dipotsav celebration at Shivaji Park in Mumbai this year. According to the Hindustan Times, the decision was made because of the severe drought affecting the state.
In a video message, Thackeray requested citizens to show restraint during the Diwali festival. He stated that extravagant celebrations would not be wise while rural Maharashtra deals with a severe drought, financial pressure on farmers, and the migration of thousands of people to cities.
The Maharashtra government has identified 85 per cent of the state as drought-hit following inadequate rainfall this year. The state has also announced interim aid of Rs 5,000 for farmers before the Diwali festival.
The Dipotsav event typically involves light decorations at Shivaji Park and a synchronised firecracker display that attracts thousands of people. Thackeray mentioned that the party will organise the event next year if the situation improves.
In previous years, the celebration has been inaugurated by various public figures. In 2023, Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis attended, while in 2024, Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar were the inaugural guests. Last year, Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray inaugurated the event together.