by Fr Ashwin Macwan SDB for BIS Mumbai

As part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the Diocese of Ahmedabad, Don Bosco Kapadvanj hosted a vibrant Deanery-level Bhajan Mandli Competition on Saturday, August 16, 2024. The event brought together five parishes from the Umreth Deanery, creating an atmosphere of unity and devotion.

The competition began with a well-animated prayer service and lighting of lamp, setting a reverent tone for the day. The prayer service was a meaningful start, allowing all participants and attendees to focus on the spiritual significance of the event. It was a moment of collective reflection, aligning the participants’ hearts with the values of faith and community that the Diocese has upheld for seventy-five years.

Following the prayer service, Fr Pratap Damor, Rector Don Bosco Kapadvanj, warmly welcomed the gathering. Fr Ashwin Macwan, sdb, Director, Amrut Dhara, introduced the esteemed panel of judges, ensuring that all participants were confident in the fairness and transparency of the competition. He also took the opportunity to explain the rules of the competition, ensuring that all teams were clear on the criteria by which they would be evaluated. Each team was allotted 20 minutes to perform.

The competition was marked by a high level of participation and enthusiasm. Each team brought its unique style to the stage, captivating the audience with heartfelt performances.

As the competition drew to a close, the judges deliberated carefully before announcing the winners. The team from Catholic Church Balasinor emerged as the first-place winners, earning the top prize for their powerful and soulful performance. Catholic Church Umreth secured second place, followed by Christ the King Parish, Dakor in third place. The winning teams were awarded cash prizes, generously sponsored by Fr Britto, the Parish Priest of Umreth Parish.

In his closing remarks, Fr Ashwin Macwan thanked the judges for their impartiality and dedication in delivering a fair result. Fr Pravin Makwana, Dean of Umreath Deanery expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who had contributed to the success of the event, from the participants to the organizers and supporters. Fr Makwana emphasized that the competition was a fitting tribute to the Platinum Jubilee of the Diocese, symbolizing the unity and faith that has sustained the community over the years.

The event concluded with a communal meal, where participants and attendees shared food, laughter, and fellowship. As the day ended, everyone departed with hearts full of joy, carrying the spirit of unity and devotion that had defined the competition. The Deanery-level Bhajan Mandli Competition at Don Bosco Kapadvanj will be remembered as a highlight of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, a day that brought the community together in a spirit of faith and shared purpose.