Maharashtra Mandal celebrated 'Sankrant' function with a big bang. Thank You all for cheering up the atmosphere by your mindful presence at the 'Sankrant' function.

Event started with the warm welcome of the guests. More than 180 people attended the function on the day. 'Marathi Mandalee' greeted each other with the saying "Tilgul Ghya God Bola". Festivity was marked with Kids & Gents in their shiny clothes and ladies in black 'Silk Saris' manifested the traditonal celebrations of 'Sankrant' back in Maharashtra, India. Program started with the appetizers (Corn Usal, Watali Daal, Cokkies, Chips, Salsa) which were followed by the games. Suchita Lambore and Archana Chauk handled the responsibility of games for the kids and the adults. More than 8 kids made a tie in the quiz. Finally, a lucky draw had to be declared to announce the winner. 'Raskia Bhamre' and 'Sania Sabnis' won the medal awards for the quiz. 'Ameeta Ambe' was declared winner in the 'Musical Arm Chair'. Traditional Haldi-Kunku, Tilgul and Vaan was given to all the "striya" (ladies) attending the function. Assembled Marathi Mandalee then enjoyed the delicious food Bhel, Vada Pav and Pasta (for the kids). A special treat of "Gool Poli" was served to mark the significance of the occasion. Program was concluded by the dessert menu of delicious Gajar Halwa and Ice Cream.

MMPGH Committee thanks Sonali Patil, Archana Chauk, Vinita Belambe and Manali Sane for cooking most of the food for the 'Sankrant' event.

Enjoy 3 full hours of live entertainment with 2 'Marathi' plays and a music/dance program performed by talented local artists.

1. "Virtual Reality" - This is a play based on the life of American Marathi immigrants. When our children, who are born and brought up in US decide to get married to American most Indian parents get really worried. They think that the children are shedding off the Indian culture. But...wait a minute, which Indian culture? The India culture we are worried to loss has already left today's India. So what do you do?
2. "Marathi Bana in Burgh" - Watch this, when dancers, singers and musicians perform live as Marathi Bana arrives in Pittsburgh!
3. "Sutticha Diwas"- Remember those odd Thursday holidays many industries had (or still have) back in Indian when rest of the world is working? Well, this is a funny story of a husband trying to deal with all he is suppose to do on a 'holiday' and trying to escape most of it.

1. 1. Participants must be in age group 10-19 (by October 11, 2008).
2. 2. Participants need not be members of the Maharashtra Mandal of Pittsburgh. This is open to anyone in the Greater Pittsburgh area.
3. 3. The deadline for registration to participate is Sunday, August 31, 2008 by 5:00 PM. Please email back this completed form to Pradeep Fulay with a copy to info@taranaa.com.
4. 4. We expect to select about 12 to15 singers in this age group for performance on October 11, 2008 through mandatory audition that will be held on or around September 13, 14, 2008. Locations and times for auditions will be announced soon.
5. 5. The organizers reserve the right to, limit the number of participants that will be auditioned, to team up participants as needed, and define final song selections.
6. 6. Participants are strongly encouraged to use tracks from taranaa.com. Other tracks such as those on CD's can also be used. Participants should remember the song lyrics and no computer screen or notes will be available during the auditions. You can adjust the scale, if you wish, using such programs as audacity. Participants must bring the track on a CD as a MP3 file. The total length of the song should be less than 3 minutes and 30 seconds. You should audition for the song you would like to perform.
7. 7. Participation in this event for singers in the age group 20 and above is by invitation only. The organizers will contact and invite these singers.