📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Information and Publicity deartment, Government of
Local
Fewer crowds attend Indore's Anant Chaturdashi Jhanki procession as local holiday not observed
✍️ Amar Ujala · Indore
🗓 29 Sep 2026, 12:00 PM
👁 10
The traditional Anant Chaturdashi Jhanki procession in Indore saw a noticeably smaller crowd this year, coinciding with the cancellation of the usual local holiday and the closure of several shops.
Indore's annual Anant Chaturdashi Jhanki procession, a 103‑year‑old tradition, unfolded with a markedly reduced audience compared with earlier editions. The customary local holiday that usually falls on the second day of the procession was not declared this year, a factor that appears to have discouraged many residents from attending.
The lower turnout was evident along the procession route, where several commercial establishments remained closed, further dampening the festive atmosphere. Organisers noted that the absence of the holiday disrupted the usual rhythm of the event, which traditionally draws large crowds from across the city.
Authorities did not provide a specific reason for the holiday's cancellation, but the impact on the cultural celebration was clear. Despite the subdued participation, the Jhanki floats continued their procession, preserving the ritual that has been part of Indore's heritage for over a century.
Local vendors and shop owners expressed disappointment over the reduced footfall, citing the holiday's omission as a key factor. The event underscores how civic decisions can directly influence the vibrancy of longstanding community traditions.
The procession is expected to resume its usual scale in future years, contingent on the reinstatement of the local holiday and the return of full commercial activity along the route.
The lower turnout was evident along the procession route, where several commercial establishments remained closed, further dampening the festive atmosphere. Organisers noted that the absence of the holiday disrupted the usual rhythm of the event, which traditionally draws large crowds from across the city.
Authorities did not provide a specific reason for the holiday's cancellation, but the impact on the cultural celebration was clear. Despite the subdued participation, the Jhanki floats continued their procession, preserving the ritual that has been part of Indore's heritage for over a century.
Local vendors and shop owners expressed disappointment over the reduced footfall, citing the holiday's omission as a key factor. The event underscores how civic decisions can directly influence the vibrancy of longstanding community traditions.
The procession is expected to resume its usual scale in future years, contingent on the reinstatement of the local holiday and the return of full commercial activity along the route.