MNS chief Raj Thackeray announced the cancellation of the annual Dipotsav celebration at Shivaji Park
The Maharashtra government has declared 85% of the state drought-hit following deficient rainfall this year and announced interim aid of Rs 5,000 to farmers before Diwali.
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In 2023, then chief minister Eknath Shinde and deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is now the chief minister, attended the celebrations. In 2024, legendary scriptwriters Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar inaugurated the Dipotsav. MUMBAI: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Wednesday said his party will not hold its annual Diwali celebration, Dipotsav, at Shivaji Park in Mumbai this year due to the severe drought in the state. He said it would not be prudent to celebrate festivals extravagantly when rural Maharashtra is reeling under a severe drought, farmers are facing financial pressure and thousands are migrating to cities as a result.
The event is inaugurated by prominent public figures.
Thackeray said the Dipotsav would be organised next year if the situation hopefully improves.