Diwali 2025

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Thank you all for joining us for the Marathi Vishwa Diwali celebration. Firstly, we sincerely apologize for the venue change and any disruptions it may have caused regarding assigned seating and parking arrangements. We appreciate your patience and cooperation and are grateful to you for helping make this mega event a big success. Here is a recap of the day.

Registration: The event kicked off with a smooth and efficient registration process running from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Both Members and Non-Members were guided through fast-moving lines that efficiently handled over 1,400 attendees. Our volunteers and MV Teens flawlessly managed wristbands of different colors, lunch coupons, and goodie bag coupons with perfection. Marathi Vishwa has truly set a new standard by maintaining a strict RSVP-only policy — no walk-ins allowed!

Stage / Drama Team: The team successfully managed transportation and event setup, ensuring smooth execution despite last-minute challenges. On the pre-event day, a limited group of volunteers coordinated U-Haul logistics and loaded panels, water crates, Faral boxes, Rangadeep magazine boxes, and registration materials from multiple locations.

On the event day, the stage team worked together to set up the stage, assist with lighting and audio, and support the Natak team for a seamless experience. Pre-built door frames and efficient teamwork helped save time and keep everything on schedule.

Although some sound issues—caused by the inability to test the system in advance—were identified later, the artists expressed satisfaction with the arrangements. We extend special thanks to all volunteers who stayed after the program to dismantle the set, facilitate its transportation in the U-Haul, and return it to storage.

Decoration Team: In recent years, the Decoration Team has stood out for pursuing innovative methods and striving for excellence. For our Diwali celebration, a visionary group of Marathi Vishwa members collaboratively brought to life an elaborate Ayodhya Ram Mandir exhibition. Exceptional craftsmanship was displayed in the handcrafted three-foot cutouts of Ram, Lakshman, and Sita. The hand-made centerpiece of the Ram Mandir added a striking focal point to the display. Digital designs for the पर्णकुटी (small cottage) and multi-story-sequence images were incorporated into the exhibition. The pathway leading through the display was artistically enhanced with depictions of the Sharayu River and sand, achieved using blue and golden rangoli, adding vivid color and authenticity. The commitment of volunteers was evident in every detail, ensuring that the decorations were not only appropriate for the occasion but they also effectively conveyed the narrative of the Ramayan, especially for the younger attendees. Their work was further honored by the presence and appreciation of Shri Prashant Damle.

Art & Craft session: We had a fantastic turnout with 30 young artists (ages 6 and up) at our Art & Craft session. The kids left with proud smiles and two beautiful handmade masterpieces — one inspired by a Halloween theme and the other one, a personalized art creation. Meanwhile, parents enjoyed a well-deserved break and some relaxing time in the auditorium.

MV Teens: We are once again incredibly proud of our MV Teens for volunteering their time during Diwali 2025 and stepping up to help wherever needed! Their enthusiasm, teamwork, and sense of responsibility shone through as they took on a variety of tasks throughout the event. Read more about their amazing efforts on: MV TEENS BLOG

Goodie Bags Assembly and Distribution: This year, we distributed more than 500 goodie bags filled with the award-winning Rangdeep magazine, Kalnirnay calendar, and fresh, locally sourced Diwali Pharal. We had many volunteers including our teen volunteers to help us with picking and opening the heavy boxes, filling the bags, lining them up for distribution, handing out the goodie bags in a quick and efficient manner on people’s way out, and final clean-up including disassembly of the empty boxes. We are grateful to all the volunteers for their help with this major and cumbersome task.

Food Team Update: This year’s MV Diwali event exemplified a strong commitment to culture, community, and collaboration, particularly demonstrated in the cafeteria where the team successfully served 1,200 guests within 2.5 hours. Given the seating capacity of just 350–400, effective logistical planning and continual coordination were essential. The implementation of staggered entry times, strategically organized food stations, and the dedication of volunteer staff ensured efficient service and a smooth flow for all attendees.

Guests received thoughtfully assembled boxed lunches that included two polya, two kothimbir wadis, vegetable kurma, mild masoor daal, and vegetable biryani, complemented by coconut barfi and kaju katli as desserts. All meals, provided by Mejwaani of Edison, were well received; feedback highlighted the practicality of the boxed meal format. Recognition is extended to the volunteers who efficiently prepared each of the 1,200 meal boxes, as well as to the teen volunteers who managed various tasks, including coupon collection, distribution of meal boxes, and providing water. Their diligence and cooperative spirit were integral to the event’s success.

Vendor Booths: The event featured 10 notable vendors who showcased a curated range of their products and service offerings for our audience, including Tax Planning, Life Insurance, and Investment services, as well as beautiful Sarees, gorgeous Jewelry, and Organic food products. Vendor booths were set up in the spacious, bright, and airy school gym, which allowed plenty of room for both vendors and attendees. We also had a Stem Cell Donor Drive by DKMS.

Our dedicated team, ensured a seamless experience for vendors by providing necessary communication, supplies, and support. Strong foot traffic at each booth throughout the day was very encouraging. Post-event feedback from the vendors confirmed an impressive sales turnaround, and many vendors have expressed interest in returning to the future Marathi Vishwa events.

Artist’s logistics and food arrangement: MV efficiently managed the logistics for a group of ten artists during their visit. Our team oversaw all food and travel arrangements, ensuring operations were conducted smoothly and professionally. The dedicated support provided by our volunteers were essential to the effective handling of all logistical needs. Their commitment contributed significantly to seamless hospitality throughout the event. We are pleased to report that the artists expressed their appreciation for the arrangements, especially noting the efficient coordination and warm support they received from our team.

Photography: We extend our sincere thanks to the MV volunteers who documented the event through photography.

Here are the Board of Director Leads for the various activities.

Registration: Dipti Karkhanis and Trushna Thakur
Stage and Drama: Mandar Kelkar, and Ajinkya Pawar
Decoration Team: Priya Godbole-Chouthai
Art & Craft Session and MV Teens: Dipti Karkhanis
Goodie Bags Assembly and distribution: Kanchan Joshi
Food Team: Anirudh Niwargi and Sachin Kulkarni
Vendor Management: Salil Parkar and Vrushali Bhawtankar
Artist’s logistics and food arrangement: Roopali Gune and Mandar Kelkar

Additionally, we appreciate the support and assistance provided by our Trustees & our BMM Representative. We once again profusely thank all our volunteers without whom this event would not have been possible.

Enjoy the videos of the decorations & Natak shorts:

Enjoy the Facebook Posts for event Pictures:

Regards,

Marathi Vishwa Committee