Almost a month after Makar Sankranti was celebrated wherein flying of kites is integral, the same fervour was recreated by a newly formed cultural group —Navi Mumbai Fest Global Foundation (NMFGF)
The group held a kite festival at For Points by Sheraton on February 9
“ NMFGF has been formed with the sole intention of to revive, celebrate, and promote traditional festivals, while nurturing the city’s rich cultural identity. TheKite festival was the first of the many events to be held under the banner,” said one the founder.
One of the primary agenda of the NMFGF is to develop a festival akin to Mumbai’s Kaal Ghoda .. “This foundation intends to develop the city's cultural aspect and bring people together through heritage and festivities. It’s the first step towards a thriving cultural future for Navi Mumbai.,” shared one of the founders.
The kite festival created a spectacle both in the sky and on the ground. As colorful kites danced against the blue horizon, participants witnessed cultural performances, musical showcases, and food stalls offering traditional delicacies.
The event saw the presence of Harak Singh Rawat, former Forest and Agriculture Minister of Uttarakhand, and Shirish Aradwad, City Engineer of Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation. Both dignitaries not only praised the initiative but also joined the crowd in flying kites, adding to the event’s spirit of joy and camaraderie.
The festival wasn’t just about tradition; it was also about community and inclusivity. Artists from Uttarakhand performed, providing a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage, while local musicians added to the lively atmosphere. Meanwhile, stalls showcased handcrafted goods, attracting art enthusiasts and food lovers alike.
The response was overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing NMFGF’s belief in the need for more such initiatives. “This is just the beginning,” said one of the members. “Following the success of the Kite Festival, we are now gearing up for bigger, more socially impactful events. Our vision is to elevate Navi Mumbai on a global stage, making it a cultural hotspot.”
Behind this ambitious event was a dedicated team led by Amardeep Singh of Ronak Advertising and R.K. Mahapatra, with significant contributions from Parwaiz Khan, Paresh Trivedi, Pravin Thakur, Harmeet Singh, Umesh Chaudhari, Ashok Mehra, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, Dr. Vijay Shukla, and many others., NMFGF is now inviting more people to join its movement.
