Over 50 performers joined in a soulful morning of music, devotion, and Maharashtra pride. From devotional classics to theatrical homages, Sugee Group’s Diwali Pahaat blended music, history and community at Ravindra Natya Mandir for an unforgettable festive morning
The city awakened in unison as thousands of residents gathered at dawn for Diwali Pahaat 2025, a cultural morning curated by Sugee Group. Held at the historic Ravindra Natya Mandir in Prabhadevi, the event began at 5:00 AM and unfolded into a heartfelt celebration of Maharashtra’s artistic spirit.
The occasion, which coincided with Narak Chaturdashi, marked the beginning of Diwali for many. True to its name, Pahaat meaning morning, this musical gathering opened with a serene sitar recital and a traditional swagat aarti, setting a calm and reverent tone.
The lineup included over fifty acclaimed artists from across Maharashtra and beyond, bringing together classical, folk, and contemporary forms in one of the state’s most culturally significant events. Among the highlights were spellbinding performances by Padmashri Suresh Wadkar, whose devotional compositions moved the early-morning audience to silence. Rahul Deshpande, known for his command over Natya Sangeet, performed classics like Shri Ranga Vittala and Dil Ki Tapish with stirring clarity.
Vaishali Samant, Sanjeevani Bhelande, Nandesh Umap, Sameer Date, Apurva Nisshad, and Ananya Wadkar contributed to a rich blend of voices that echoed through the venue. Renditions of timeless Marathi and devotional songs like Aali Majhya Ghari Diwali, Maharashtra Geet, and Vaishnav Jan To brought a sense of communal nostalgia to the celebration.
The event was not limited to music alone. A theatrical tribute to Swatantryaveer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, woven into the program with poignant narration and performance, offered a moment of patriotic reflection. Another memorable segment celebrated the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, delivered through a dramatic ensemble led by Nandesh Umap and team, capturing the audience’s attention with historical pride.
Anchors for the morning included renowned Marathi personalities Sankarshan Karhade, Spruha Joshi, Samira Gujar, and Sanjay Mahale, whose presence added narrative grace, humour, and cultural context to each performance.
Behind this deeply rooted initiative is Mr. Nishant Deshmukh, Founder and Managing Partner at Sugee Group, who spoke about the community’s support with visible emotion. He remarked that the spirit of *Diwali Pahaat lies in its ability to unite people through shared culture, music, and early-morning devotion. For Mr. Deshmukh, the gathering is not just an event but a collective reflection of Mumbai’s identity.
Many attendees described the experience as a “divine start” to their Diwali. Families from across the city, spanning all age groups, arrived well before sunrise to take part. From quiet meditations during bhajans to spontaneous applause after each crescendo, the audience created an atmosphere of reverence mixed with celebration.
Sugee Group’s commitment to art, tradition, and public culture is longstanding. Over the years, the group has evolved from a real estate development company to a patron of community-focused festivals that honour Maharashtra’s heritage. With over 16 million sq. ft. of residential and commercial development, Sugee Group continues to be known not only for its urban presence but also for its support of regional identity.
As the morning came to a close, a collective aarti brought together artists and audience alike. The performers stood beside attendees in a quiet circle, symbolising the unbroken link between stage and society. It was not a show, but a shared celebration of spirit and song.
In a city known for its restless pace, Diwali Pahaat stood out for its quiet sincerity and grace. And as the sun rose above Prabhadevi, it did so on a note of deep cultural harmony.
- Padmashri Suresh Wadkar – Wikipedia
- Rahul Deshpande – Wikipedia
- Ravindra Natya Mandir – Wikipedia
- Sugee Group – Official Website