If there is one thing the MAXI Fair
does unfailingly well, it is reminding Jamshedpur how to pause, how to gather,
and how to celebrate. On 17th January, the XLRI Football Ground once again
transformed into a vibrant commons as the 46th edition of the MAXI Fair,
organised by the Marketing Association of XLRI (MAXI), opened its gates to the
city. By afternoon, the grounds pulsed with laughter, music, and the
unmistakable hum of a community coming alive.
Day one unfolded like a carefully
curated tapestry of talent and togetherness. At MasterChef, aspiring cooks
served more than just food. From inventive besan momos to a whimsical bird’s
nest crafted with besan, shimla mirch, paneer, and aloo dough, creativity was
as much on display as culinary skill. Just a few steps away, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa
drew music lovers across generations, as melodies drifted through the air,
holding audiences in hushed attention before giving way to thunderous applause.
Some of the most heartwarming moments
belonged to the Fancy Dress Competition. Children, dressed as everything from
Coca-Cola bottles and Blinkit bags to iconic figures like Jhansi Ki Rani, took
over the stage with fearless confidence. The cheers of proud parents often
rivalled the applause itself. The excitement carried seamlessly into the
Fashion Show - Mr & Mrs Jamshedpur, where participants walked the
ramp with elegance, poise, and unmistakable personality. Each contestant also
revealed a special talent, singing, dancing, and more, transforming the
showcase into a celebration of individuality as much as style.
As always, the food stalls formed the
fair’s steady heartbeat. From quick bites to indulgent treats, they kept
visitors fuelled through the day, while the Mela Zone proved irresistible,
drawing in children and more than a few adults with its rides, games, and
prizes that promised delight at every turn.
As evening fell, anticipation surged.
When Bollywood singer Neeraj Shridhar took the stage, a wave of nostalgia swept
across the grounds. Familiar tunes became collective sing-alongs, and for a few
fleeting moments, strangers turned into a choir, bound together by music and
memory. And with that, Day 1 of the 46th MAXI Fair drew to a close: vibrant,
joyous, and leaving behind the comforting sense that this was only the beginning.
Winners – Day 1 Events
Sa Re Ga Ma Pa
7–12 years: Winner – Aarvi Panday ,
1st Runner-up – Anurag Chaterjee
13–17 years: Winner – Adrija
Chaterjee, 1st Runner-up – Arnav Bharadwaj
18 years & above: Winner –
Anshuman Kar, 1st Runner-up – Ritam Dutta
MasterChef
Winner – Pratima Sahu, 1st Runner-up –
Bishnu Mahato
Fancy Dress
5–8 years: Winner – Atharva Gupta, 1st
Runner-up – Kaavya Agarwal
9–12 years: Winner – Arana Kar, 1st
Runner-up – Ayesha Fatima
Mr Jamshedpur:
Winner – Deepak Kumar
Ms Jamshedpur:
Winner – Medha Ojha
46th MAXI Fair – Day 2 (18th January)
The day began on an artistic note with
Art Attack, where young participants arrived clutching crayons, paints,
and boundless imagination. The little ones painted their dreams onto paper,
evoking a sense of nostalgia—of carefree afternoons spent sprawled on the
ground, the sun overhead, and a handful of crayons in hand. Soon, the grounds
became a living canvas, filled with vibrant sketches and bold splashes of
colour that reflected the children’s limitless creativity. Proud parents looked
on, cheering and capturing moments as their young artists brought ideas to
life.
As the sun climbed higher, the
atmosphere shifted gears with Dance Mania. The stage came alive with
electrifying solo and group performances spanning western, classical, and
fusion styles. Each routine carried its own emotion and flair, keeping the
audience riveted and earning thunderous applause that echoed across the
grounds.
Adding a playful twist to the day was Bollywood
Trivia, which had movie buffs on their toes. From iconic dialogues to
unforgettable songs, participants battled it out with quick wit and infectious
enthusiasm. Laughter, spirited banter, and friendly rivalry filled the air,
making it one of the most engaging events of the day. Spontaneous dance breaks
to Bollywood numbers only added to the charm, giving the evening the warmth and
joy of a family gathering.
Much like the opening day, the aroma
of delicious food continued to draw hungry fair-goers to the stalls, while the
Mela Zone remained a favourite haunt for families and children, offering games,
prizes, and moments of carefree fun.
The fair reached its grand finale on a
soulful note as Bollywood singer Mohit Chauhan took to the stage in the
evening. Sharing his personal connection to Jamshedpur, he spoke fondly of his
friendship with filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, who was present at the event with his
family. As Mohit Chauhan’s heartfelt melodies and soothing voice filled the
air, a magical hush settled over the crowd, one that lingered long after the
final note faded. With music in the air and smiles all around, the two-day
extravaganza came to a memorable and fitting close.
Winners – Day 2 Events
Art Attack
5–10 years: 1st – Shreejoni Ghosh, 2nd
– Aarushi
11–15 years: 1st – Trisha, 2nd –
Vaibhavi
Dance Mania
7–14 years (Solo): Winner – Kinjal,
1st Runner-up – Ananya
7–14 years (Group): Mighty Crew
15–25 years (Solo): Winner –
Samriddhi, 1st Runner-up – Sameer
15–25 years (Group): Team Void
Bollywood Trivia Night
Winner – Aditya Besra, Piu Chaterjee,
Arshit
Runner Up - Harshdeep Singh Bhatia,
Rajdeep Bhatia