The 35th edition of the Vasai-Virar Kala Krida Mahotsav is gearing up for a vibrant celebration, with new sports events being introduced this year. The first meeting to discuss the preparations was held at the Vasai Krida Mandal. The event brought together a large number of officials and volunteers, who are all excited to ensure that this year’s festival is a grand success.
The meeting was led by the festival’s General Secretary, Prakash Vanmali, who welcomed the gathering of officials and volunteers. Vanmali expressed his gratitude for the continued support and encouraged everyone to give their best in organizing and promoting the festival. In his address, he highlighted that the festival has become a significant part of Vasai-Virar’s cultural and sports landscape over the years, and this year’s 35th edition is set to be particularly special.
A key point of discussion during the meeting was the introduction of new sports competitions. The committee has decided to expand the range of sports offered, with wrestling, judo, karate, and the traditional sport of Dahi-Handi being added to the roster this year. These additions aim to bring more variety and attract a broader audience to the festival. The decision was welcomed by the attendees, who felt that these sports would increase participation and add a new level of excitement to the event.
In addition to the new sports, there was a detailed discussion about creating a special commemorative booklet for the festival’s 35th anniversary. This booklet will feature valuable information about the festival’s history, achievements, and contributions to the community. It will serve not only as a keepsake but also as an informative guide for those interested in the rich history of the Vasai-Virar Kala Krida Mahotsav.
Overcoming Last Year’s Challenges
During the meeting, many of the officials and volunteers took the opportunity to reflect on the challenges they faced in organizing last year’s festival. They shared their experiences and highlighted the areas that required improvement. While the previous editions were successful in terms of participation and execution, there were logistical and organizational issues that needed to be addressed.
The attendees emphasized that they are prepared to tackle these problems head-on this year. One of the key concerns raised was the need for a more efficient system to handle the large number of participants and spectators. Last year, the high turnout led to crowd management issues, and the committee is determined to avoid similar problems this time around. Plans are being put in place to ensure smooth coordination between various teams, and additional resources are being allocated to improve overall management.
Another significant improvement discussed during the meeting was the introduction of an online registration process for participants. This initiative aims to streamline the registration process and make it more convenient for competitors to sign up for the various events. The committee believes that moving to an online platform will not only make things easier for the participants but also reduce the administrative burden on the organizing team.
Proposals for New Competitions
In a surprising and exciting turn of events, Hemant Barve and Dhruv Barve, two newly inducted volunteers, proposed the inclusion of squash as a new competition in this year’s festival. The proposal was met with enthusiasm by the rest of the committee, and the two volunteers have offered to take responsibility for organizing and managing the squash event. This marks the first time squash will be featured at the Vasai-Virar Kala Krida Mahotsav, and the committee is hopeful that it will attract a lot of interest, especially from younger participants.
The addition of squash is seen as a progressive step that aligns with the festival’s goal of promoting a wide variety of sports, both traditional and modern. By offering a diverse range of events, the festival aims to cater to a broader audience and provide opportunities for athletes with different skill sets and interests.
A Collaborative Effort
The meeting was attended by key figures involved in the organization of the festival, including arts coordinator Anil Vaz, sports coordinator Vijay Choudhary, Manikrao Dotonde, co-secretary Keval Vartak, and other officials such as Devendra Dandekar, Rajesh Joshi, Prashant Ghumare, and Jude D’Souza. Each of these individuals plays a crucial role in ensuring that the festival runs smoothly and that every aspect, from the arts performances to the sports competitions, is well-coordinated.
The festival is not just about sports; it is also a celebration of art, culture, and community. Over the years, it has grown in scale and importance, becoming a platform for local talent to shine. Artists, performers, and athletes from Vasai-Virar and neighboring areas eagerly participate in the festival, making it a much-anticipated event on the local calendar.
The organizing team is committed to creating an inclusive and engaging experience for all attendees. Whether it’s through the sports competitions, the cultural performances, or the special events planned for the 35th anniversary, the festival promises to offer something for everyone.
Looking Forward
With the first meeting concluded and the key decisions made, the countdown to the 35th Vasai-Virar Kala Krida Mahotsav has officially begun. The enthusiasm and dedication shown by the officials and volunteers during the meeting suggest that this year’s festival will be bigger and better than ever.
As preparations move forward, the committee will be working hard to ensure that every detail is taken care of, from securing venues and arranging equipment to promoting the event and managing logistics. The introduction of new sports like wrestling, judo, karate, Dahi-Handi, and squash reflects the festival’s commitment to evolving and growing with the times while still honoring traditional sports and cultural practices.
The Vasai-Virar Kala Krida Mahotsav has always been more than just a series of competitions. It’s a celebration of community spirit, teamwork, and the shared love for arts and sports. As the festival marks its 35th year, it continues to bring people together, fostering a sense of unity and pride in the local culture.
In the coming weeks, more details about the festival will be revealed, including the full schedule of events, the list of participating teams and artists, and the various initiatives planned to make this year’s edition one for the history books. The community is eagerly waiting for what promises to be a memorable and exciting celebration of arts, sports, and local talent.
