Pratibha Dhanorkar says 'Bhau Ka Dandiya' tradition will continue in Chandrapur

The prize distribution ceremony of the 'Bhau Ka Dandiya 2026' festival in Chandrapur was held recently with great enthusiasm. The festival was organised on the local Police Football Ground under the joint auspices of The Maratha Charitable Trust and Balubhau Mitra Parivar.

Speaking at the ceremony, MP Pratibha Dhanorkar remembered the late MP Balubhau Dhanorkar and spoke with emotion. "In Chandrapur district, 'Bhau Ka Dandiya' is not just a competition, it is a cultural tradition, and this tradition will continue in the same way in future too. I will also always stand firmly behind the people of other social causes and of all sections," she said.

She also said, "This festival could succeed on such a large scale only because of the unprecedented and spontaneous response of the people of Chandrapur." She also thanked all the people of Chandrapur from the heart.

In the main and group category of the competition, Anand Yashwant Ingole and Sushmita Sushil Mallek were the champions. Anurag Ghorpade was chosen 'King' and Manisha Sarkar 'Queen'. In the couples category, Arya Pravin Kohapare and Aditya Anil Rathod took first place. Sharvari Bankar and Akash Madavi came second, while Rohan Rajput and Sophie Sadar came third.

In the solo dance competition, among boys Dhananjay Meshram was first, Suhas Bauria second and Arya Vitekar third. Among girls, Divyani Bharat Mandade got first place, Ishika Dhanesh Vyas second and Amruta Dadmal third. In the young boys' category, Daksh Raju Darve was first, Kaushik Atish Kulmethe second and Jianshu Prafulla Wandhare third. Among young girls, Aarohi Gautam Moon was first, Kiara Balance second and Arini Dhakate third. In the over-35 category, Prince Ramteke got first place, Sneha Dhakate second and Savita Bhalchandra Panchalwar third.

Among the special prizes, Shreya Sunil Asar won the best costume category. Trisha Roshan Urade was honoured for 'Best Stamina', and Jatin Ramchandra Dhote and Anushka Manusmare for 'Best Attraction of the Ground'. A special prize of Rs 1 lakh was also given on the occasion by Samvad Pratishthan.

The dandiya festival concluded in a cheerful and enthusiastic atmosphere. Congress office-bearers, corporators and several dignitaries were present at the event.