The fourth year of Mumbai Festival sees Japan, Germany, Australia, USA, and Scotland at the forefront along with India, bringing it a step ahead in fulfilling its aspiration of becoming an international event under the aegis of Mr. Kamal Morarka – Chairman, Mumbai Festival Committee (MFC) and Mr. Vijay Kalantri – Vice Chairman, MFC.
Conceptualised and organised by the Tourism Co-operative, the event is a partnership between public and private bodies, and is led by a Committee, consisting of some of the eminent personalities from the field of art, dance, music, tourism, advertising, media, NGOs and education. Senior officials from the State and Central Government including Defence authorities and Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai are also on this committee of which Colonel Sudhir Sawant is the Convener.
Mr. Morarka, Chairman – MFC, says, “we want the festival to be world-class and yet distinctly local in character. We want to portray the unseen and untouched dazzling colours of Mumbai to all Mumbaikars and visitors”. Further talking about the event he says, “the success of Mumbai Festival reflects the enthusiasm and the spirit within each Mumbaikar.
Their huge response and participation shows how popular it has been for the last three years.” Mr. Vijay Kalantri, Vice Chairman – MFC, says “It is heartening to see the overwhelming response received by the Mumbai Festival ever since it was initiated. Today it has taken a giant shape that is bound to grow further in coming time.”
He also adds, “Mumbai Festival is not the celebration of an occasion rather it celebrates Mumbai as a place and the people residing in this speedy city that never waits even for the sun to rise in order to get going. Mumbai Festival is not an event conceived, planned and designed by one or few individuals. It is the result of the collective efforts of numerous people and organizations.”
Whether it be Gully Cricket, musical competition, marathon or dance programme, the package of Mumbai Festival includes it all. It interests all groups right from children who love sports to ladies who are always busy with their shopping to people who love food and those who like art and culture.
Nichibu, a Japanese dance form, India Jazz Suites, American jazz, Mumbai Formula-A Race, Fishing Vessels Race, International Music Fair and every other flavour of entertainment is to conquer Mumbai during the Mumbai Festival starting from 17 th January to 3rd February, 2008, with the Ganesh Vandana by Hema Malini.
There is no appointing or selecting authority. Anyone who contributes in any form can become a part of the team. The Mumbai Festival allows every participant to develop his own part of the team. The Mumbai Festival allows every participant to develop his own event and finance the same.
The MFC merely acts as a coordinating and organizing body. The more, the merrier is the mantra of the MFC. The Mumbai Festival follows a participative model. It is the first public-private partnership, where the Government provides the backbone and the private enterprises, NGO’s, various organizations conduct events. Thus the MFC is an evolving entity.
For daily schedules, log on to www.mumbaifestival.in.
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