Kalyan: The ‘Dombivli Rasarang Dandiya Festival-2026’ has been cancelled this year amid reports of crop losses and financial difficulties faced by farmers in parts of Maharashtra. The funds that would have been spent on the festival will instead be used to support affected farmer families, organisers said.

The decision was announced at a press conference by Shiv Sena district chief Gopal Landge, MLA Rajesh More and taluka chief Rajesh Kadam. The festival is organised annually at the DNC School grounds in Dombivli by Navdurga Mitra Mandal and the Dr Shrikant Shinde Foundation. The event attracts thousands of residents from Dombivli, Kalyan-Dombivli, Thane, Ulhasnagar and Ambernath.

According to the organisers, the decision to cancel the celebrations was taken in view of agricultural losses caused by irregular rainfall in several parts of the state. The funds allocated for the ‘Rasarang’ event will instead be directed towards assistance for distressed farmer families.

The organisers said, “The areas and families requiring support will first be identified, following which the nature and extent of assistance will be decided. Details of the relief initiative will be announced later.”

Although the grand Dandiya event will not be held, the Navratri tradition will continue. The goddess will be installed and worshipped simply. The organisers said the decision reflects their priority of extending support to farmers during a difficult period, while the festival can return in future years.