Not everyday one gets to witness a small group of enthusiastic apartment-residents achieving the impossible!!!
Yes, it was 2018 when, from the humble perimeter of a small tea-shop adda (informal banter) post Ganesha idol immersion, out sprang the enterprising idea of performing Durga Puja in the premises of Provident Harmony, Bangalore. Staging an event of the stature of Durga Puja is not a child's play and, quite naturally, the idea didn't gain much traction at the outset.
“Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark”
~ Rabindranath Tagore
As days rolled by, what initially seemed to be more of a wishful thinking led by a like-minded group of residents soon gave feathers to a firm resolve of welcoming Mother Durga into the society. However, all that we had in our arsenal at that point of time was merely the five-lettered word - "faith"!!!
Durga Puja or "Durgotsav", also known as "Milanotsav" (Milan: Unity, Utsav: Celebration) is a festival which connects people across caste, creed, gender, social statures etc. From what initially seemed daunting, the firm resolve of the group of individuals bore fruit and, after days of tedious efforts, materialized into a unique amalgamation of India’s rich cultural diversity -- a synergizing event coined as ‘Harmony Mahotsav’. Bangalore thronged in large numbers -- Cultures greeted one other, songs erupted as numerous happy souls rejuvenated -- the stage was all set to be put on fire as time stood testimony to this unique-yet-grand celebration of Harmony!
Well, the rest was history in the making...!
Stepping out of the complacency of a gated community like "Provident Harmony" and re-instilling our focus towards achieving 'inclusive neighborhood', it has been 4 years since Harmony Mahotsav came into existence. With increased participations from our neighborhood our stature/presence has been growing ever since. Notably, laurels like "Best Ambience Sarad Samman Award-2019" was a feather in our cap!
Given the unprecedented challenge faced by all during the pandemic of 2020 HCWA has been able to come out on top winning "Best Safety Measure Award Sarad Samman 2020" for medium category. To not limit people participations and to improve morale of people at home during festive season HCWA had done Live coverage of the entire event and was awarded "Mainstream Media Coverage 2020" by Sarad Samman from Eventex. Also continuing on our social responsibilities we were able to spread our undying support and love to our neighbouring community and orphanages, which was recognized by Maitree Bandhan and HCWA was given a "Social Responsibility Award 2020".
Each year, Harmony Mahotsav has been able to reach out to many of those who, although being under-privileged, deserve to share a smile or two alongside us. Shaking a foot or two alongside us, time and again they have lent spark to our festivities showcasing how special they truly are! Bringing smiles to such hapless faces has been an integral motto of Harmony Mahotsav since its inception.
Such is the unabated spirit of our team/group, that even the unprecedented pandemic situation could not take a toll on our intentions to stage this year's edition. This year like the last, the event will be hosted in a convenient location accessible to all - Harshodaya Convension Centre, 19th Cross Rd, M.C.E.C.H.S. Layout 1st Phase, Dr.Shivaram Karanth Nagar, Bengaluru. Given that we will be celebrating our 5th year of HCWA, there won't be any lax in our celebrations! However, in view of present pandemic situation & prevalent government protocols for safety of one and all, pertinent regulations will be put in place.
Standing shoulder to shoulder through all the 'thick & thin' of life, the entire family of HCWA stands united & triumphs on the victories of good over evil. We take pride in stating that the unbeatable spirit of Harmony Mahotsav continues to inspire and motivate various sections of the society to adapt this model into their mainstream celebrations!
Check out our FB page & Youtube channel to get lost in the magic of Harmony Mahotsav 2018|2019|2020|2021:
https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyMahotsav(https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyMahotsav)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd_5eGATsgvIhE-g0i-GdoA(https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd_5eGATsgvIhE-g0i-GdoA)
Dating back to 2018, here's an eye-witness post shared by some of the event volunteers:
https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyMahotsav/posts/302839000304066(https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyMahotsav/posts/302839000304066)
https://digangana-m.blogspot.com/2018/10/when-ma-durga-is-not-devi.html?fbclid=IwAR3yylc5WGsA1Ljz46QW0i05Lw-WQFlTaFSFPkcQfwFJjbZFZ49x8MHoUX4&m=1(https://digangana-m.blogspot.com/2018/10/when-ma-durga-is-not-devi.html?fbclid=IwAR3yylc5WGsA1Ljz46QW0i05Lw-WQFlTaFSFPkcQfwFJjbZFZ49x8MHoUX4&m=1)
And finally, soak yourself in the happiness that exudes from the below posts/pic...the positive vibes being just one among the million that a Harmony Mahotsav can bring to the fore:
https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyMahotsav/photos/a.429920550929243/445217119399586/(https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyMahotsav/photos/a.429920550929243/445217119399586/)