Banjara Samaj Festival Celebrations

Krishna Pawle organises and sponsors the annual Banjara festival that takes place every Diwali. Here, thousands of Banjaras who belong mostly to the labour class, working in and around Colaba's Ambedkar Nagar even in Sassoon Docks to peel fish, gather to celebrate the festival. On the occasion, hundreds of unmarried Banjara girls worship cowdung, light diyas and dance in wild abandon throughout the stretch from Ambedkar Nagar in Cuffe Parade till Jhulelal Mandir and back. The 35 groups who partake in the celebrations were even awarded 'Best Dancer' and other awards on the occasion. Cash prizes and trophies too were distributed on the day.