Pune, 13th September 2024: While Ganeshotsav is being celebrated with enthusiasm across India, Indians living abroad are also partaking in the festivities with great zeal. As a part of this, ‘Vitamin M,’ an organization based in Florida, USA, organized a unique virtual competition for homemade Ganeshotsav decorations.

For the past few years, this competition has been conducted through WhatsApp groups, where organizers, contestants, judges, and audiences participate. Contestants submit their entries during the first two days of Ganeshotsav, and after thorough review, experts in the field announce the results.

This year, Kshitija Deshpande and Nilay Kulkarni won the competition by recreating the iconic catch taken by Suryakumar Yadav during the T20 World Cup final as part of their decoration. The second prize was shared between Ashwini Pawar and family, and Sukhda Gokhale, Neel Gokhale, and Anusha Muley.

Ashwini Pawar’s decoration featured Vitthal-Rakhumai, while Sukhda, Neel, and Anusha incorporated an ‘Upcycling Theme’ in their design. Manjusha Naik, a member of the Board of Trustees of Bruhan Maharashtra Mandal (BMM), and Sheetal Sogal, an art connoisseur, served as judges for the competition.

Yashashree Deshpande, Director of ‘Vitamin M,’ stated that the objective set by Lokmanya Tilak in promoting public Ganeshotsav is being achieved through such competitions. ‘Vitamin M’ has been organizing various activities for the Marathi community in America for the past six years, helping them stay connected with their roots and culture.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization implemented several initiatives, including door-to-door grocery deliveries and the free distribution of around 300 saplings. These efforts even caught the attention of All India Radio (AIR), which recognized the organization’s contribution.