Sanskrit Chants and Traditional Attire Enliven Mumbai Marathon
The Tata Mumbai Marathon witnessed an unusual cultural spectacle on Sunday morning. As thousands of runners pounded the pavement, the air filled with Sanskrit chants and traditional greetings. Samskrita Bharati, a voluntary organization dedicated to promoting the classical language, made its presence felt in a vibrant way.
Volunteers Run for Cultural Consciousness
Twenty-one runners participated specifically to support Samskrita Bharati's mission during the marathon's 21st edition. Among them were Krishna Dhuri and Neha Hazare, two dedicated volunteers from the organization. They aimed to highlight the connection between physical fitness and cultural awareness through their participation.
"We believe a healthy body supports a healthy mind engaged with our cultural heritage," explained one participant between breaths.
Sustained Outreach Along the Charity Corridor
Beyond the running track, over thirty volunteers mounted an energetic campaign near Hutatma Chowk. From 4:45 AM until 9:30 AM, they occupied the Charity Corridor with enthusiasm. Volunteers traveled from across Mumbai neighborhoods including Goregaon, Badlapur, and Girgaon to participate.
They raised Sanskrit slogans and health-related chants that drew enthusiastic responses. Marathon participants often paused to listen, many expressing surprise and delight at hearing the ancient language in such a contemporary setting.
Traditional Welcome for Modern Runners
This year's campaign carried special significance as it coincided with the 150th year of Vande Mataram. Volunteers dressed in traditional nine-yard sarees and dhoti-kurta outfits to reflect this cultural emphasis. Runners who stopped at the corridor received traditional welcomes through aukshan and aarti ceremonies.
"The traditional welcome felt genuinely special," remarked one marathon participant. "It added a layer of cultural richness to the physical challenge."
Spreading Awareness Through Interaction
Volunteers distributed informative leaflets about Samskrita Bharati's activities throughout the morning. They engaged in conversations with citizens and representatives from other NGOs present at the event. These interactions introduced many people to the organization's work for the first time.
"Hearing Sanskrit chants amid the marathon created a unique cultural flavor," observed several runners independently. The experience stood out as particularly memorable amid the physical exertion.
Organizational Leadership and Future Plans
Samskrita Bharati's Konkan Prant Mantri Neeraj Dandekar and Sambhashan Shibiram Pramukh Khyati Deshpande supervised the program throughout. Vidya Adivarekar and her South Mumbai district team coordinated efforts with volunteers from various suburbs.
Konkan Sampark Pramukh Haresh Amdekar called the marathon a powerful platform for outreach. "Events like the Tata Mumbai Marathon offer multiple opportunities," he explained. "They allow for service, health promotion, and cultural outreach at both individual and organizational levels."
The organization expressed confidence about expanding its activities year after year. For many Mumbaikars visiting the Charity Corridor, the fusion of running, tradition, and Sanskrit culture created a memorable start to their Sunday.
