THANE: A six-day Diwali carnival, ‘Diwali Wonderland 2026’, has opened at Upvan Lake in Thane. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik and Thane Mayor Sharmila Pimpalolkar inaugurated the festival, which runs from November 6 to 11.
The carnival has been organised by the Yuva Sena at the initiative of its working president Purvesh Sarnaik, and is presented by VB Group of Companies. The entire lakefront has been decked up with lights and decorations for the festival.
What’s on
More than 50 artists are taking part in the festival, which features music, dance, cultural programmes and contests for visitors of all ages. Young visitors can enter a traditional attire contest, a photography contest and a reel-making contest, with prizes for the best entries. A lucky draw has also been organised for visitors.
A ‘Diwali Pahat’ morning music programme will be held at Upvan Lake on Sunday, November 8, at 6.30 am.
Diwali help for farmers
Speaking at the inauguration, Sarnaik wished Thane residents a happy Diwali and said that around 2 lakh farmers across Maharashtra have so far received help through Diwali ration kits. He said efforts to support needy farming families would continue, and urged residents to visit the carnival with their families.
MLA Ravindra Phatak, Pro Govinda League director Dr Kashmira Sarnaik, corporators Rajendra Phatak, Sanjay Bhoir, Jayashree David and Sheetal Dhamale, and Yuva Sena secretary Kiran Sali were among those present, along with party office-bearers, workers and residents.
Purvesh Sarnaik said the festival aims to bring art, culture, music and entertainment to Thane residents at one venue and give local artists a platform. He appealed to citizens to visit Upvan Lake with family and friends between November 6 and 11.