Musical mornings back this Diwali but signature events missing

Nagpur: With life returning back to normal, the musical events ‘Padava Pahat’ and ‘Diwali Pahat’ held early morning during Diwali are back, especially at open air venues. At least 10 groups have organized the morning musicals in the city starting November 2. But many popular organizers have decided to give it a skip this year too.
Those who have organized the events have preferred open air venues. “Open air events are allowed with some rules and regulations. We are ready to follow these rules,” said Prasad Jogdand of Shiv Mavle Pratishthan. The Diwali Pahat of this group will be held at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Smarak Chowk, Bhandara Road, Pardi at 4.15am on November 4.
The state government’s 15-point SOP for the open air events states that the seating arrangement should ensure 6ft distance between people, sanitization and use of masks at the venue. All artistes and technicians must be fully vaccinated. Accepting these rules is difficult practically, said some of the leading organizers.
“Jam-packed auditorium is one of the highlights of our events. It would be difficult to adjust with 50% occupancy rule as everyone wishes to come and enjoy the music. As a precautionary measure to avoid crowds, we have decided not to hold events this year,” said advocate Bhanudas Kulkarni, known for organizing weeklong musicals during Diwali.
Lackluster response from sponsors due to losses suffered during the pandemic, strict rules and regulations set by the government for indoor events and difficulties in controlling the crowd at open air events are some of the main reasons why organizers like Laxmi Nagar Nagarik Mandal have decided not to hold their popular Diwali Pahat this time.
This year, these morning musicals will also miss the established names and artistes from Mumbai or Pune. Due to the budget constraint and uncertainty, many groups focused on local artistes, mostly emerging singers. A senior musician in Nagpur told TOI that he has been invited by at least two organizers but they quoted a meagre amount as honorarium.
Badkas Chowk Mitra Parivar, Dr Girish Gandhi Foundation, Zenda Chowk Vyapari Mitra Parivar, Panthon Society Manish Nagar, Pioneer Society and Vishwakesari Foundation are some of the groups organizing open air ‘Diwali Pahat’ this week.
Brahmanaad in physical form post Diwali
South Central Zone Cultural Center (SCZCC)’s flagship monthly morning musical ‘Brahmanaad’ will resume in its physical from post Diwali. “We have decided to hold Brahmanaad on November 14. It will be held at SCZCC in the open air in presence of audiences,” said Dr Deepak Khirwadkar, director of SCZCC.
SOME MUSICAL TREATS
November 2 | Hanuman Mandir Ground Daga Lay Out (6am), Aaji Aajoba Park, Swawalambi Nagar (6am)
November 3 | Amar Jawan Smarak, Ajni Chowk (5.30am), Vishnuji Ki Rasoi (6.30am), Sarveshwar Hanuman Mandir, Reshimbagh (6am)
November 4 | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Smarak Chowk, Bhandara Road (4.15am), Panthon Society, Manish Nagar (6am), Zenda Chowk (6am)
November 5 | Badkas Chowk (5.30am)