Organised under the leadership of former corporator Anant Sutar, the celebrations brought residents together for devotional rituals, cultural festivities and prize distribution.

The Celebration

The 38th Public Navratri Festival 2026 was celebrated with devotion and enthusiasm in Airoli under the leadership of former senior corporator Anant Sutar. Organised by Anant Pratishthan and Shiv Premi Mitra Mandal, the festival witnessed enthusiastic participation from local residents and devotees. Former corporator Shashikala Sutar was also present at the celebrations. A grand Maha Aarti was performed according to traditional rituals in the presence of residents from the Airoli area. The atmosphere was filled with devotional songs and chants in praise of Goddess Durga.

On the occasion of Ashtami, a grand Garba and Dandiya Raas programme was organised, attracting participants dressed in traditional attire. Anant Sutar and Shashikala Sutar also actively participated in the festivities, further encouraging the dancers. Sutar closely supervised the arrangements and motivated participants throughout the event. Outstanding performers in the Garba and Dandiya Raas programme were felicitated by dignitaries. Speaking on the occasion, Anant Sutar expressed happiness over the enthusiastic response from residents. He said the festival had completed 38 years with the support of volunteers, women, young people and community members who had worked together over the years.

Sutar described the Airoli community as one big family, united beyond differences of language and background. He expressed hope that the spirit of unity, devotion and mutual affection would continue for generations. With the blessings of Goddess Durga and the wholehearted support of Airoli residents, the 38th Navratri celebration emerged as a memorable community event, strengthening cultural traditions and social bonds.

Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik felicitates students, graduates and bodybuilding achievers at the Mahashtami celebration organised under the leadership of former mayor Jaywant Sutar.

The Celebration

The Public Navratri Festival Mandal of Shiravane organised a grand Navratri celebration this year under the leadership of former mayor and senior BJP corporator Jaywant Sutar. The festival featured various religious and social programmes over nine days, continuing a tradition that has brought the local community together for decades.

Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik attended a special programme organised on the auspicious occasion of Mahashtami. During the event, he felicitated students who performed exceptionally well in their Class 10 and Class 12 examinations. Graduates who completed higher education and participants who achieved notable success in bodybuilding competitions were also honoured.

Ganesh Naik praised the festival’s organisers for preserving religious and cultural traditions while encouraging academic excellence and youth achievement. He appreciated the initiative for promoting social harmony and community participation. The programme was attended by BJP district president Dr Rajesh Patil, former mayor and corporator Sudhakar Sonawane, corporators Ravindra Ithape and Ramchandra Gharat, corporators Madhuri Sutar, Meera Patil and Santoshi Mhatre, former education committee chairman Arjun Singhvi, social workers Jayendra Sutar and Pratik Sutar, along with other dignitaries, students and local residents.

Jaywant Sutar highlighted the importance of the long-standing festival, emphasising social unity, public participation and the need to recognise the achievements of students and young people. The celebration also reflected the importance of fostering harmony among people across religious, caste and linguistic backgrounds.nThe annual festival continues to serve as a platform for cultural celebration, community bonding and the encouragement of young achievers.

With Morbe Dam’s water stock at 73.9%, housing societies are adopting practical measures to reduce wastage and protect the city’s drinking water supply.

The Conservation

With water storage at Morbe Dam falling to 73.9%, housing societies across Navi Mumbai are stepping up conservation efforts to prevent unnecessary wastage and prepare for the coming months.

Several societies have introduced simple measures to reduce their dependence on the municipal water supply. These include using borewell water for non-drinking purposes, preventing tank overflows and encouraging residents to use water responsibly.

In Nerul, Bhimashankar Society has dug three borewells to provide water for activities such as vehicle washing and gardening. The society has 763 flats and 948 vehicles, making water conservation an important priority. In Belapur, Parsik Green Association is discouraging residents from washing cars with municipal drinking water. It is also monitoring storage tanks to prevent overflow and supports using treated wastewater for maintaining gardens.

Similarly, Samata Society in Sanpada has urged residents to be mindful of their daily water consumption, particularly while watering plants and using washing machines. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has also warned against using drinking water for vehicle washing and construction activities. Violators may face penalties and other action, including disconnection of the water supply.

The civic body has appealed to residents to repair leaking taps and pipelines, prevent water tanks from overflowing and avoid unnecessary consumption. As Morbe Dam remains the city’s main source of drinking water, the cooperation of housing societies and residents will be crucial in ensuring that available water is used wisely and the city’s supply remains secure.