Navi Mumbai: Carrying the chants of Lord Vitthal and spreading messages on cleanliness, health, rainwater conservation and environmental protection, more than 650 students, parents, teachers and citizens participated in a ‘Swachhata Dindi’ organised by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) in association with Gyandeep Primary School at Karave.
The initiative was conducted under the ‘Safai Apnao – Bimari Bhagao’ campaign of Swachh Survekshan 2025-26, aimed at promoting public participation in cleanliness and health awareness activities.
Navi Mumbai Mayor Sujata Patil inaugurated the event by performing the traditional palanquin (palkhi) puja. She said it was a matter of pride to participate in the dindi organised by the same school where she had studied. She highlighted Maharashtra’s rich tradition of the Ashadhi Wari and appreciated the efforts to spread messages of cleanliness, healthcare, environmental conservation and rainwater harvesting through the initiative.
NMMC Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde said the dindi was organised to help children understand the importance of the Wari tradition, culture and values while also encouraging them to adopt cleanliness and environmental responsibility. He suggested organising similar dindi processions involving schools from the area next year.
The procession began from Gyandeep School and proceeded towards Nexus Mall in Seawoods amid chants of “Pandharinath Maharaj Ki Jai” and “Dnyanoba Mauli Tukaram”. Students dressed as Lord Vitthal, Goddess Rakhumai and various saints participated in the procession accompanied by lezim performances, traditional instruments, and a school band.
Students displayed placards promoting cleanliness, plastic-free initiatives and the ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign. At Nexus Mall, a traditional ‘ringan’ ceremony was held, where students presented awareness performances, including a bhajan-style act on avoiding plastic.
The event was attended by NMMC officials, including Deputy Commissioner of Solid Waste Management Dr Ajay Gadade, Assistant Commissioner Prashant Nerkar, Chief Cleanliness Officer Rajusingh Chavan and representatives of Gyandeep Sanstha. The civic body said such initiatives would continue to encourage public participation and create awareness about cleanliness.
