- Maharashtra Mandal
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A Maharashtra Mandal is a social group formed to preserve the culture of those born in the Indian state of Maharashtra, and speakers of its language, Marathi, who live outside the state. Such groups exist in India and throughout the world.
Contents
India
North India
Maharastriya Samaj Kota is situated in Kota (Rajasthan). Samaj's website contains Hindi/Marathi articles of member interest (inspirational, funny, Aartis etc.). One whole section is dedicated to info and news of the Kota Maharashtriya Samaj.
There are few places in North where Marathi people were brought by the Peshwas to watch the working of local rulers. In this part near Kanpur, on the bank of Ganga Vithur is the place where Marathis' were asked to settle. A few were asked to settle in Banaras to study the Hindu vedic shastra. Among these places one social Marathi Mandal located in Kanpur on the Agriculture university road which had been inaugurated in 1950 by President of India Dr. Radhakrishanan. Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur also has an active Maharashtra Mandal run by the students, faculty and staff. BITS Pilani also has Maharashtra Mandal run by the students at its Pilani campus. It is active from last 30+ years. Sarvesh Sukhatme (aka Mama) is currently its President for the year 2011.He has the grand vision of transforming the pilani chapter of Maharashtra Mandal into a World Superpower. In the city of Taj, marathi mandal is situated next to the Raja ki Mandi station known as Maharashtra Mandal and Chandra Mahal Hotel.
South India
There are also various associations formed by these "Marathi" speaking people in South India. In Chennai there is this association known as "Maratha Education Fund" or MEF in short. In Hyderabad also there exists a similar organisation called as SIMA or the South Indian Maharashtrians Association. These associations provide for a meeting ground for this relatively small group of such "Marathi" speaking people down south to share their culture and also for finding matrimonial matches.
Maharashtra Mandal Bangalore, Karnataka
This mandal was formed way back in 1920. It has its own premises at Gandhinagar, a locality in the heart of Bangalore. At 10 minutes walking distance from the city railway station and bus stand, the central location makes it a convenient spot for Marathi-speaking people across Bangalore to get together for cultural events.
The biggest cultural event in a year is usually the "Ganeshotsav" which is celebrated over 10 days. On one of the Sundays during the ten days of festival, Mandal arranges "Mahaaprasad" which is generally preceded by a program by popular artists/ celebrities from Maharashtra. Mandal also brings out a special edition of its monthly bulletin "Sa Na Vi Vi" on this occasion. A one act play competition for local amateur Marathi theatre groups is also held during this ten days period. Mandal has facilities for visitors to stay in rooms and dormitories. A restaurant also is available on the premises. Mandal also has its own state-of-the art auditorium for its programs as well as for rent.
Maharashtra Mandal Chennai, Tamil Nadu
The purpose of the formation of this organisation, Mandal, in this prominent city in the South India is to celebrate all National and Maharashtrian festivals, to provide a common meeting point for the people of Maharashtrian origin in Chennai and to conduct various social and cultural programs, to provide facility of temporary residence at nominal cost for all Maharashtrians travelling to Chennai. This is largely served by a decent guest-house and a two storied hall, sabhagruha, each having a separate stage.
West India
Maharashtra Samaj, Ahmedabad
Established in 1923 by residents living old Ahmedabad City. Today it has 3000 members and families associated with it. It is situated in the heart of city of Ahmedabad. Maharashtra Samaj have many functions.
- NATYA VIBHAG - Every year local amateur artists takes part in it. One show for Ahmedabad and other helds at Delhi.
- SANSKRITIK VIBHAG - Competitions regarding marathi culture takes place every year.
- SHIKSHAN VIBHAG - Competitions regarding education takes place every year.
- VACHANALAYA - 85 year old marathi literature is even available
- GUEST HOUSE - Very economical charge is taken for the outsiders who stays here.
- 'SAMAJ PATRIKA' is its bulletin which is published every fortnightly.
Africa
- Maharashtra Mandal Dar es Salaam Tanzania
- Maharashtra Mandal, Nairobi, Kenya
Middle East
Maharashtra Mandal Khobar Dammam
महाराष्ट्र मंडळ खोबर दम्माम
Marathi Mitra Mandal Khobar Dammam
मराठी मित्र मंडळ खोबर दम्माम
Maharashtra Mandal Abu Dhabi
Maharashtra Mandal Dubai
North America
The regional Maharashtra Mandals of the United States of America and Canada comprise the Bruhan Maharashtra Mandal (BMM). The BMM's primary responsibility, other than organizing the events and unity of the regional Mandals, is to hold a biannual BMM Convention. The convention site is held at varying locations every year, and typically attracts thousands of Marathi Americans and Canadians. The current BMM president is Madhuri Joshi of New Jersey.[1]
Maharashtra Mandal Los Angeles, CA
Maharashtra Mandal, Los Angeles is a Maharashtra Mandal based in Los Angeles, California, The United States of America.
Maharashtra Mandal, Los Angeles was founded by a group of Marathi speaking families in the 1990s. The current president is Kartik Gupte.
Abbreviation
The Abbreviation of Maharashtra Mandal, Los Angeles is MMLA.
Brief History
Maharashtra Mandal, Los Angeles is a non-profit organization, aimed at promoting the Marathi Culture, a distinctive culture from western state of Maharashtra, India.
Maharashtra Mandal East Bay, CA
East Bay Maharashtra Mandal is a Maharashtra Mandal based in the Tri Valley of California and many Bay Area communities in California, United States of America.
East Bay Maharashtra Mandal was formed in 2001. It branched out of the original Maharashtra Mandal Bay Area which split to form East Bay Maharashtra Mandal and Maharashtra Mandal Bay Area. Bay Area is one of the most Maharashtrian populated places in the United States of America. East Bay Maharashtra Mandal holds many yearly events in celebration of the Maharashtrian heritage.
Mission
East Bay Maharashtra Mandal has a mission to cherish & promote Maharashtrian Culture and heritage with the help of progressive Maharashtrian Community in and around East Bay of San Francisco Bay Area.
Abbreviation
The Abbreviation of East Bay Maharashtra Mandal is EBMM.
Logo
The shape of the Logo is that of Shivamudra which was official seal of the Great Maratha Empire of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The Star in the logo includes both Sun & Moon and sends a message "Jab Tak Suraj aur Chand rahega..EBMM ka nam hoga" (As long as the Sun & the Moon Exist, EBMM will exist...). Star also indicates that we will take all efforts to keep our MandaL shining on the Horizon like a bright star. So also the Great Maratha Emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj used to bear a "Chandra Tilak" - Moon Sign - on his forehead and used to have a Sun Symbol on his Dhal (Shield used during war).
The 8 yellow bands on the edges indicate all the directions Purva (East), Paschim (West), Uttar (North), Dakshin (South), Ishanya (North East), Agney (South East), Nairutya(South West), Vayavya (North West); The 8 bands also represent the beilef that it will run the organization inline with values of Ministry of Shivaji Maharaj "Ashta Pradhan MandaL" (Most powerful & efficient Ministry in the History of Maharashtra) with honesty, sincerity, integrity & hard work as basic values.
The Brown color of the Logo indicates the Mother Earth and represents Autumn. Autumn is the season when most of the crops are harvested and the new school year begins in the United States of America. In Alchemy, Autumn is also a season when the operation of the Philosopher's stone (Paris - a legendary stone which supposedly could convert ordinary metal into gold) is brought to maturity & perfection. Brown Color also indicates conservative approach which is a common thread in Marathi Culture.
Brief History
A few enthusiastic Marathi families came together and Tri Valley Marathi MandaL (TVMM) was started in 2001 in order to promote rich cultural activities of Maharashtra. First Ganeshotsav was celebrated in Pleasanton with a grand success. MandaL's cultural activities include Ganeshotsav, Diwali, Kojagiri etc...
Marathi Mandal, Sacramento
Marathi Mandal Sacramento is a Maharashtra Mandal based in Sacramento, California, The United States of America.
Marathi Mandal Sacramento was formed in 2005 by Ajit Natu. Since then the mandal has had successful Diwali and Gudhi Padwa functions. There are currently around 120 families on the roster. The Greater Sacramento Area has grown rapidly in the past decade and many Marathi-speaking families have moved to Sacramento. Marathi Mandal Sacramento officially became a Non-Profit Organization in October 2010.
Presidents of Marathi Mandal Sacramento
- Ajit Natu (2005–2008)
- Sudeep Sabnis (2009-2011 )
- Ajit Natu (2011- )
Abbreviation
The Abbreviation of Marathi Mandal Sacramento is MMSAC.
Brief History
The Greater Sacramento area has had a reasonable number of Marathi-speaking families for quite some time. Marathi Mandal Sacramento was formed in order to bring them all together in a celebration of the Maharashtrian culture. The Mandal hopes to achieve this by organizing regular activities and events that will reflect the spirit of our community. It will also be a platform for our new generations to understand and preserve our customs and traditions, and foster pride for our common language, culture and history.
The need for such forum for Marathi speaking families was recognized by Ajit Natu. He initiated the thought process amongst small number of Marathi speaking families about forming the Mandal which has now become a reality.
References
- ^ "Bruhan Maharashtra Mandal of North America". Bruhan Maharashtra Mandal Homepage. BMM. http://www.bmmonline.org/. Retrieved 29 May 2011.
External links
See also
Categories:- Organisations based in Maharashtra
- Culture of Maharashtra
- Indian diaspora
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