Miniature forts fight it out for the top slot in this unique contest

Having concluded Diwali festivities, Girgaum residents are now gearing up for the annual fort making competition. The event witnesses a reliving of history with an exhibition of replicas of forts gleaned from historical narratives about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The exhibition is set to be held on November 12 and 13 respectively.

Girgaon Prabodhan, a group of Girgaon-based youth, had initiated the event in 2015 and this year marks the event’s second anniversary. 

Kedar Narvekar one of the pioneers of the Girgaon Prabodhan said that this year the competition would be held at Sharda Sadan Vidyalaya. 

Narvekar said that this year students from JJ School of Arts along with local Kalavidya Sankul as well as youth from the local Ganesh Mandals would take part as well. Local sculptors and artistes, normally involved in 
designing sets for the Ganeshotsav festivities, will also participate in this competition. 

As many as 25 replicas would compete and one of the groups is making 8 to 10 feet tall replicas of the Raigad Fort, the site of Shivaji Maharaj’s historic coronation ceremony in 1674. 

This year Girgaon Foto Fest would also be held along with the fort building competition. Of a total 70-80 entries some 30 odd would be selected for exhibition.