📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Information and Publicity deartment, Government of
Religion
Indore's 103-Year-Old Anant Chaturdashi Jhanki Parade Loses Crowd, Experts Urge Revamp
✍️ Amar Ujala · Indore
🗓 29 Sep 2026, 12:31 PM
👁 10
The annual Anant Chaturdashi Jhanki procession in Indore attracted fewer participants this year, with many shops closed and the usual local holiday omitted, prompting cultural experts to recommend fresh approaches to preserve the 103‑year tradition.
Indore's Anant Chaturdashi Jhanki procession, a 103‑year‑old cultural parade that marks the end of the Hindu festival of Diwali, took place this week as part of the city's long‑standing tradition. The colourful floats and devotional music usually draw large crowds from across the city and surrounding regions.
This year, however, the procession saw a noticeable dip in attendance. Several commercial establishments along the route remained shut, and the customary local holiday on the second day of the march was not observed, a change that visibly affected the scale of the event.
Cultural scholars and local historians who surveyed the situation said the reduced participation signals a gradual fading of public interest. They urged municipal authorities and community groups to introduce fresh elements—such as contemporary themes, better promotion and improved infrastructure—to reinvigorate the parade and keep the heritage alive.
Officials from the Indore Municipal Corporation acknowledged the concerns and indicated that they will review the suggestions ahead of next year's celebrations, aiming to balance tradition with modern expectations.
This year, however, the procession saw a noticeable dip in attendance. Several commercial establishments along the route remained shut, and the customary local holiday on the second day of the march was not observed, a change that visibly affected the scale of the event.
Cultural scholars and local historians who surveyed the situation said the reduced participation signals a gradual fading of public interest. They urged municipal authorities and community groups to introduce fresh elements—such as contemporary themes, better promotion and improved infrastructure—to reinvigorate the parade and keep the heritage alive.
Officials from the Indore Municipal Corporation acknowledged the concerns and indicated that they will review the suggestions ahead of next year's celebrations, aiming to balance tradition with modern expectations.