How the Marathi community in Bengaluru became an integral part of the cityscape

The phrase ‘strong, silent type’ could well describe the Marathi community in Bengaluru. We take a look at their presence in the city...

Updated - September 10, 2026 10:32 pm IST

Mahanaad Dhol Tasha Pathak Bangalore, a part of Maharashtra Mandal Bengaluru, perform outside Vidhana Souda | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The Ashada season may have concluded with joyful hymns of devotion, but the Marathi community in Bengaluru is now gearing up for perhaps the biggest event on their social calendar — Ganesh Chaturthi.

Historical accounts state Emperor Shivaji first visited Bengaluru around 1640, and it is alleged initial settlers from Maharashtra arrived with him. Many locally-formed associations cater to the community here, helping them stay connected with each other and contribute in their own way to the city they now call home.

Maharashtra Mandal Bengaluruwas established in 1920, making it the oldest Marathi association in the city. According to Pooja Sonawane Joshi, secretary ofMaharashtra Mandal, the minutes of that first meeting are still in existence. “The ertswhile Maharaja of Wodeyar gifted us a plot land in Gandhi Nagar. Over the years, the mandal has developed it and today, is a full-fledged building with an auditorium, library, guest rooms and more,” says Onkar Sangoram, president, Maharashtra Mandal, adding, “The Ganesh Utsav is our flagship event and lasts for over a week; it is open to all.”

“During this season, our group, Mahanaad Dhol Tasha Pathak Bangalore, sees huge non-Marathi participation too. What began with five dhols and 20 drummers in 2023, now has over 30 dhols and over 100 performers. Open to anyone with devotion and a sense of rhythm, we had participants ranging in age from 12 to over 60,” says Pooja.

For Madhura, vice president of Mitra Mandal Bangalore, “When you are away from home, it feels great to observe special days and celebrate festivals with your community and people who share similar cultural habits.”

Mitra Mandal was established 40 years ago in Indiranagar, to help residents stay connected in an ever-expanding city, and was founded by Pushpa and Sharad Dravid, cricketer Rahul Dravid’s parents; Kumud and Harish Rajankar, and Satish Kothari among others.

Though Ganesha Chaturthi is one of their biggest events, Madhura says the association has a full calendar all year long. “We encourage children and adults to participate in events regularly and engage with Marathi culture whether at performances, competitions or local festivals. We have unusual folk games such as Bhondala celebrated during Hasta Nakshatra, where participants guess who brought the prasad at potluck,” she says.

Community activity organised by Mitra Mandal Bangalore | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Apart from a community picnic every year, which sees as many as 60 peopleget together for games and fun activities, Mitra Mandal also releases an annual yearbook documenting their milestones and honouring those who have contributed to society.

Collective responsibility

“If Bengaluru did not support us, we wouldn’t have become what we are today,” says Omkar Ashok Muravane, president of the Bengaluru Marathi Welfare Association. “The idea behind these associations was to create a space for those arriving in the city for the first time, and help them connect with people from their hometown.”

Omkar admits when the association launched in 2011, it began as a cultural platform on a small scale. Today, it has evolved into an entrepreneurial forum. “Today, we have over 100 entrepreneurs in almost every area of commerce ranging from fruit sellers, travel agents and service apartment providers to doctors, CAs and other professionals.”

Open to non-Marathi businessmenas well, Omkar says the aim of these meetings that take place once a month is to “engage with students and new professionals”. The association also sponsors a bulk of cultural activities taking place within the community.

Marathi podcaster Suyog S Risbud at an event organised by the Bengaluru Marathi Welfare Association | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

According to Sanjeev Keskar, former president of Mitra Mandal Bangalore and former vice chairman of Maharashtra Mandal’s centenary celebrations,the IT boom in the ‘90s saw an exodus of Marathi professionals into the State. “Today, as newer layouts open and apartment complexes spring up in far-off places, residents are forming smaller groups and associations to keep in touch with members of the community.”

Over the years, as CEO of an advisory firm in Bengaluru, Sanjeev has built a sizeable network which aids in fleshing out many events. “However, I am directly involved with only two events nowadays — the Mahesh Kale abhangwari and Swayam Talks. Swayam Talks is a curated media platform that identifies the extraordinary feats of ordinary people. We hope by showcasing their work, it will inspire and motivate others. Especially since most of these “feats” are simple and not grandiose in nature.”