Respected Members,
Saprem Namaskar

It gives us great pleasure to present this report on the various cultural and religious programmes organised by our committee during the past year.

In keeping with tradition, we organised our first programme in the early May, - "Anand Mela". It lived up to its name by being a most joyful event: social activities were accompanied by rich variety of food (ranging from Bhel Puri to Puran Poli), resulting in a very pleasant day, overall.

On June 29th, we organised the programme "Phite Andharache Jaale", presented by Shri Shridhar Phadke who sang some of the most melodious Marathi songs composed by himself and his late father Shri Sudhir Phadke alias Babuji. The songs were rendered in his distinctive style and all present were entertained to a delightful musical experience.

On July 13th, "Ashadhi Eakadashi" was celebrated at the Mandal. A Puja of "Vitthal - Rukmini's" idols was performed. Local artists performed "Bhakti Sangeet", which was very much appreciated by the audience. Pharal was also provided. The programme ended with a chorus chanting of "Gyanba Tukaram and Jai Jai Vitthal".

During the first fortnight of August we were entertained to a one act show "Khumkhumi" which was presented by the noted artist Mr Vijay Kadam, who made his mark with splendid performances in Marathi plays like Vichchha Mazi Puri Kara and Rathchakra.

On August 15th, the Indian Independence Day was celebrated in the Mandal with utmost enthusiasm.

This was followed by the "Ganeshotsav", which was celebrated with great flair, enthusiasm and devotion between 31 August and 9 September. All members, in particular the Marathi community living in and around London, visited the Mandal and participated wholeheartedly in religious (Daily Puja, Aarti and Sahastravaratan) and entertainment programmes (Mr Shashikant Tambe - Marathi classical and light classical, Mrs Jayshree Tambe - Kathak dance, Mr Shrikant Deshpande - Marathi Classical, Anadaacha Gaav - light Marathi and Hindi songs, Antakshari compitition, and last but not least a marvellous "Fancy Dress evening" performed by children).

On September 13th, we organised the performance of a hilarious Marathi comedy drama - "Hich Tar Premachi Gammat Aahe", produced by "Suyog", a reputed professional theatre company from Mumbai. The theme of the play was very simple - "in a pursuit of a true companion many a times we tend to ignore people around us". The audience enjoyed the two and half-hour show, which proved to be a big hit. It has been the long standing wish of many members that the Mandal should arrange such plays, and we hope that this show lived up to their expectations.

On the evening of November 8th, we organised a grand dinner and dance on the occasion of Diwali with a feast of Puran Poli and musical entertainment. The function went on for more than four hours and undoubtedly, it was thoroughly enjoyed by all present.

Christmas was the next event, which was celebrated in the Mandal on 20th December, especially for the children. A professional entertainer, who performed various tricks, made their evening really enjoyable. Children also received gifts from Santa, which was the high point of this celebration.

In January, we arranged Haldi-Kunku on the occasion of "Makar Sankrant". All present were offered Tilgul and Misal, and the ladies present received a gift (Wan). It turned out to be an enjoyable evening.

"Moments" - a programme of melodious Marathi and Hindi songs presented by the local artists on the occasion of Valentine's day was the last programme for the year. The programme proved to be a great entertainment, and the talents of artists were appreciated by all present.

We wish to express our sincere gratitude to all the members for their co-operation and support.

We hope that the same enthusiasm will continue in future...

Dr Ashok S. Khare
(Programme Organiser, on behalf of the executive committee)