How the Marathi community in Bengaluru became an integral part of the cityscape

The Ashada season may have concluded with joyful hymns of devotion, but the Marathi community in Bengaluru is now gearing up for perhaps the biggest event on their social calendar — Ganesh Chaturthi.Historical accounts state Emperor Shivaji first visited Bengaluru around 1640, and it is alleged initial settlers from Maharashtra arrived with him. Many locally-formed associations cater to the community here, helping them stay connected with each other and contribute in their own way to the city they now call home.Taking rootMaharashtra Mandal Bengaluruwas established in 1920, making it the oldest Marathi association in the city. According to Pooja Sonawane Joshi, secretary ofMaharashtra Mandal, the minutes of that first meeting are still in existence. “The ertswhile Maharaja of Wodeyar gifted us a plot land in Gandhi Nagar. Over the years, the mandal has developed it and today, is a full-fledged building with an auditorium, library, guest rooms and more,” says Omkar Sangoram, president, Maharashtra Mandal, adding, “The Ganesh Utsav is our flagship event and lasts for over a week; it is open to all.”“During this season, our group, Mahanaad Dhol Tasha Pathak Bangalore, sees huge non-Marathi participation too. What began with five dhols and 20 drummers in 2023, now has over 30 dhols and over 100 performers. Open to anyone with devotion and a sense of rhythm, we had participants ranging in age from 12 to over 60,” says Pooja.Common groundFor Madhura, vice president of Mitra Mandal Bangalore, “When you are away from home, it feels great to observe special days and celebrate festivals with your community and people who share similar cultural habits.”Mitra Mandal was established 40 years ago in Indiranagar, to help residents stay connected in an ever-expanding city, and was founded by Pushpa and Sharad Dravid, cricketer Rahul Dravid’s parents; Kumud and Harish Rajankar, and Satish Kothari among others.Though Ganesha Chaturthi is one of their biggest events, Madhura says the association has a full calendar all year long. “We encourage children and adults to participate in events regularly and engage with Marathi culture whether at performances, competitions or local festivals. We have unusual folk games such as Bhondala celebrated during Hasta Nakshatra, where participants guess who brought the prasad at potluck,” she says. Community activity organised by Mitra Mandal Bangalore | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Apart from a community picnic every year, which sees as many as 60 peopleget together for games and fun activities, Mitra Mandal also releases an annual yearbook documenting their milestones and honouring those who have contributed to society.Collective responsibility“If Bengaluru did not support us, we wouldn’t have become what we are today,” says Omkar Ashok Muravane, president of the Bengaluru Marathi Welfare Association. “The idea behind these associations was to create a space for those arriving in the city for the first time, and help them connect with people from their hometown.”Omkar admits when the association launched in 2011, it began as a cultural platform on a small scale. Today, it has evolved into an entrepreneurial forum. “Today, we have over 100 entrepreneurs in almost every area of commerce ranging from fruit sellers, travel agents and service apartment providers to doctors, CAs and other professionals.”Open to non-Marathi businessmenas well, Omkar says the aim of these meetings that take place once a month is to “engage with students and new professionals”. The association also sponsors a bulk of cultural activities taking place within the community. Marathi podcaster Suyog S Risbud at an event organised by the Bengaluru Marathi Welfare Association | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement According to Sanjeev Keskar, former president of Mitra Mandal Bangalore and former vice chairman of Maharashtra Mandal’s centenary celebrations,the IT boom in the ‘90s saw an exodus of Marathi professionals into the State. “Today, as newer layouts open and apartment complexes spring up in far-off places, residents are forming smaller groups and associations to keep in touch with members of the community.”Over the years, as CEO of an advisory firm in Bengaluru, Sanjeev has built a sizeable network which aids in fleshing out many events. “However, I am directly involved with only two events nowadays — the Mahesh Kale abhangwari and Swayam Talks. Swayam Talks is a curated media platform that identifies the extraordinary feats of ordinary people. We hope by showcasing their work, it will inspire and motivate others. Especially since most of these “feats” are simple and not grandiose in nature.”For instance, spurred by her teacher’s encouragement in school, Prachi Shevgaonkar created Cool The Globe, an app that tracks CO2 emissions in daily life and suggests how to curb it. Then, there is Hemlata Tiwari from Mumbai who was so moved by a talented child singing for alms, she created Swaradhar in 2012, an orchestra of similar underprivileged, street musicians who now perform at various social events.Community connectThough their love for theatre and cultural programmes is well known, Sanjeev says the growth of the Marathi community has seen them branch into charity work and social activities. A tshirt-to-tote workshop organised by Mitra Mandal Bangalore | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement “We believe in not only building ourselves but in giving back to our host State,” says Omkar of the Bengaluru Marathi Welfare Association, which has roped in Maharashtrians who know Kannada well, to teach other newcomers.Pooja of Maharashtra Mandal says, “Our uniform sports the red and yellow colours of the Karnataka State flag to honour the State we now call home.”There is no doubt the upcoming season of festivities will see a host of events such as modak making and idol crafting pop up all over the city; the only flip side could be a proclivity for posters and announcements appearing in Marathi, but if you get a friend to keep you plugged in, you should be sorted.Keep in touchFounded in 1997 by the late Sandeep Paranjape, Aamhi Theatre is a bilingual (Marathi, Hindi, and English) performing arts group in Bengaluru. Stay updated @aamhi_bangaloreYuva is a Bengaluru-based group of Marathi-speakers who share common interests such as sports and theatre, and can be found at @yuvamarathisanghFind out more about the Bengaluru Marathi Welfare Association at bengalurumarathi.org which has links to their social media pages@maharashtramandalbengaluru and @mitramandal_bengaluru are the instagram handles of the respective associations