We had successfully organized the ‘Anand Melawa, the festival of merriment’ in Akluj from 16 Dec. to 27 Dec. 2010. Near about 1,00,000 (one Lakh) peoples visited and enjoyed this ‘Anand Melawa’.

Now we will organize the ‘Anand Melawa, the festival of merriment’ on behalf of Sayajiraje Park, at the Gorhe (Bk.), Donaje-sinhgad, (Pune), to present the five demonstrations of Maharashtrian village, its folk arts, folk song, and folk culture of 100 years ago.

As we are marching towards 22nd century, the fast life of today has tremendous pressure for elders and students are bent with heavy books. Maharashtrian culture is fast disappearing in the wake of mobile and internet. The young generation of today has hardly any idea of rural life in Maharashtra of 100 years ago. Secure mansion of maternal uncle of once upon a time is only heard in the nursery rhymes. We have been losing our contact with our culture heritage which our forefather long preserved in the form of Vasudeo (messenger of Lord Shri Krishna), Waghya-Murali (man and woman dedicate to the god Khandoba) and Pingla (morning singer with small musical instrument).

Every village of 100 years ago was self-reliant and every need was fulfilled in the village itself with mutual understanding. Gone are the days when Vasudeo used to wake up the villagers in early morning with his rhythmic song and traditional dress and a farmer was seen watering his field with leather water machine and song. The Teli (oil-man) was busy with his oil mill, a Koshti (weaver) with his handloom weaving Ghongdi (traditional blanket) and Saries. This glory has now become memories of past.

Where shall we find all this past glory?
It is our humble attempt to organize the ‘Anand Melawa’ the festival of merriment on behalf of Sayajiraje Park and to present the five demonstrations of Maharashtrian village, its folk arts, folk song, and folk culture of 100 years ago.