NMMC event celebrates Marathi literature and encourages residents to preserve the language and its cultural heritage.

The Competition

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) organised a Marathi poetry recitation competition in Belapur as part of Classical Marathi Language Week, providing a platform for participants to showcase their talent and appreciation for Marathi literature. Navi Mumbai Mayor Sujata Patil attended the prize distribution ceremony and emphasized the importance of preserving the Marathi language. She encouraged citizens to use Marathi in their daily lives and pass it on to future generations.

Additional Municipal Commissioner Sunil Pawar said the competition aimed to encourage reading habits and familiarize participants with the works of renowned Marathi poets. Writer and ghazal poet Vinod Pithale judged the competition and highlighted the importance of understanding a poem’s meaning, emotions, pronunciation and voice modulation while reciting it. A total of 71 people registered for the competition, of whom 47 participated. Rudraksh Patare secured first place, followed by Dilip Gaikwad in second place and Pallavi Deshpande in third place. Five participants received consolation prizes, while three were given special recognition.

The first-, second- and third-place winners received books worth Rs 3,000, Rs 2,500 and Rs 2,000, respectively. Encouraged by the response, Mayor Sujata Patil announced that literary programmes would be organised on a larger scale next year at Vishnudas Bhave Natyagriha. Meanwhile, the deadline for a Marathi slogan and message-writing competition has been extended to October 12, 2026. The initiative aims to promote language preservation, cleanliness, environmental protection, plastic prevention and health awareness.

Mayor Sujata Patil honours winners as 88 police personnel showcase their sporting talent.

The Competition

The 30th Navi Mumbai Divisional Annual Police Sports Competition 2026 concluded with great enthusiasm at the parade ground of the Navi Mumbai Police Headquarters. The event was organised to boost the morale of police personnel and encourage sporting talent within the police force.

The closing ceremony was attended by Navi Mumbai Mayor Sujata Patil, Joint Commissioner of Police Deepak Sakore, Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Pramod Shivale, MLA Vikrant Patil and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Headquarters) Vishal Thakur, among other dignitaries. Held under the guidance of Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Milind Bharambe, the competition featured four teams representing Zones 1, 2 and 3, along with the Police Headquarters. A total of 88 players participated in various sporting events, including volleyball, basketball, kho-kho, wrestling, judo and athletics.

The ceremony began with a welcome by the police band troupe, followed by an energetic parade by players representing the different teams. Mayor Sujata Patil, the Joint Commissioner of Police and other dignitaries took the salute, encouraging the participants and boosting their confidence. Winners of the various sporting events were felicitated by the dignitaries for their performances and achievements.

The annual competition provided police personnel with an opportunity to display their athletic abilities while promoting teamwork, discipline and physical fitness. It also highlighted the importance of sports in maintaining the motivation and well-being of police personnel. The event concluded with a retreat and a slow flag march, marking the successful end of the 30th edition of the annual police sports competition.

Jai Bhavani Public Navratri Mandal continues its decades-old tradition in Vashi, drawing devotees for a vibrant celebration.

The Devotion

The grand arrival procession of Vashi Chi Aai Bhavani was celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by the Jai Bhavani Public Navratri Mandal of Sector 9 and Sector 9A, Vashi.

The procession was held under the leadership of Kishor Patkar, the mandal’s founder-president, Shiv Sena Navi Mumbai district chief and corporator. Continuing a tradition that dates back to 1990, the event witnessed an impressive display of faith, energy and community spirit. The atmosphere was filled with devotional chants and enthusiastic cries of “Jai Mata Di” as devotees gathered to welcome the goddess. The energetic performances of the band troupe added to the festive spirit, while mandal office-bearers and members participated with great excitement.

Devotees eagerly gathered to catch a glimpse of Vashi Chi Aai Bhavani, popularly revered for fulfilling the wishes of her devotees. Many were seen dancing and celebrating as the procession moved forward, reflecting their deep faith and devotion. The grand welcome brought together the spiritual power of devotion and the vibrant energy of the Navratri festival. The celebrations highlighted the mandal’s commitment to preserving a cherished tradition that has remained an important part of the local community for more than three decades.

The event once again showcased the strong religious sentiments and collective enthusiasm of devotees in Vashi as they welcomed the goddess ahead of the Navratri festivities.