Latest news with #MaharashtraStateFestival
News18
4 days ago
- News18
Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Central Railway, Western Railway To Run 262 Special Trains To Konkan
Last Updated: While the Central Railway will run 192 special services, the Western Railway will run 70 such services on Konkan-bound routes To help those heading to their hometown for Ganesh Chaturth i, the Central Railway (CR) and the Western Railway (WR) will operate 262 special trains for the festival which starts on August 27. While the Central Railway will run 192 special services, the Western Railway will run 70 such services on Konkan-bound routes. Maharashtra has declared Ganeshotsav, the 10-day festival which starts on Ganesh Chaturthi, as 'Maharashtra State Festival' or 'Rajya Utsav'. Central Railway's (CR) Plans For Ganesh Chaturthi The CR special trains will originate at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Dadar, Panvel, Thane, and Pune and cover popular destinations in Konkan such as Sawantwadi Road, Kudal, Ratnagiri, and Pernem. It will include: 40 services between Lokmanya Tilak Terminus and Sawantwadi Road 24 between Lokmanya Tilak Terminus and Ratnagiri 24 between Panvel and Kudal 36 between Lokmanya Tilak Terminus and Kudal 18 between Dadar and Ratnagiri 8 each from Thane to Kudal and Sawantwadi Road 8 between Lokmanya Tilak Terminus and Pernem 6 between Pune and Sawantwadi Road. Western Railway's (WR) Plans For Ganesh Chaturthi The WR's special trains will connect Mumbai with parts of Goa and south Konkan. It will include: 26 services between Bandra Terminus and Madgaon 22 between Valsad and Sawantwadi Road 22 between Valsad and Kudal. Fares and timings The trains will have special fares. Passengers can check the timings on the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) app and railway websites. 'The services have been planned keeping in mind the seasonal rush towards the Konkan region and will be operated with additional halts based on demand. Bookings for these trains have already begun through the IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) website and all computerised reservation centres," the Central Railway stated in a press release. view comments First Published: July 20, 2025, 13:15 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
State grants ‘Maharashtra State Festival' status to Ganeshotsav, promises funds
Pune: State govt on Thursday accorded Ganeshotsav the status of "Maharashtra State Festival". Ashish Shelar, the cultural affairs minister of state, made the announcement during the monsoon session of the assembly while replying to the demand of Kasba Peth MLA Hemant Rasane. The latter also demanded Rs100 crore from the state for the festival. "State govt is committed to promoting the festival not only at the national- but also at the international-level. Funds would be provided without any constraints for this festival. The money will be given for police protection and infrastructure development of the festival," said Shelar. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune Ganesh mandals welcomed the move, stating that the state's support would help in better management of events. Shelar said the essence of this festival was rooted in social unity, nationalism, spirit of freedom, self-respect and pride in our language. He said the noble tradition continued even today. The minister said Ganeshotsav was not just a celebration, it was a symbol of Maharashtra's cultural pride and identity. "Restrictions were imposed on traditional POP (Plaster of Paris) idols during the previous govt citing CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) guidelines, without offering practical alternatives. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo In contrast, our department approached the issue with a more balanced view. We initiated a comprehensive study to explore eco-friendly alternatives and assess if POP was truly harmful to the environment. Following the findings, earlier restrictions were lifted," he said. Shelar said Ganapati mandals should incorporate themes in their festivities that honour our armed forces' role in Operation Sindoor, showcase social initiatives, highlight the nation's achievements on the development front and pay tributes to great leaders. MLA Rasane said, "The state's support will help in tourism, cultural festivals and local businesses. The state should also take steps to allow 24X7 celebrations of the festival." Shrikant Shete, the president of Kasba Ganapati Mandal, said, "The festival should be traditional in manners. It should enlighten people and help in improving social lives. If the government participates in this festival directly, it will help make celebrations more socially responsible and public friendly." Nitin Pandit of Tulshibaug Ganapati Mandal said, "People from different parts of our state and country come to watch the festival and immersion procession. Visitors come from other countries, too. They should have proper facilities to participate in the fervour. The govt support is a key aspect of it. Planning on the lines of the Wari procession or Kumbh Mela is possible if the govt plays a key role." Mahesh Suryavanshi of Shreemant Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati Mandal, said, "After getting the new status, budgetary allocations will be made for this festival at state govt-level. It will help in providing facilities to visitors and tourists." The 10-day-long Ganeshotsav, celebrated in the state on a large scale, has a tradition of over 130 years. Not only in households, celebrations take place at mandal (groups)-level. The procession to immerse Ganesh idols attracts huge crowds, especially in Pune, Mumbai and Nashik. The number of registered mandals in Pune increased to 3,798 in 2024 from 2,700 in 2023. The festival is celebrated in a grand manner across Pune city. Streets of Shivajinagar, Swargate and Peth areas attract huge crowds. Markets, particularly in Mandai and Peth areas, witness a surge of customers shopping for puja items. Ready packets containing essential items for worship remain in high demand.
India Gazette
10-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Ganeshotsav declared as Maharashtra State Festival
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 10 (ANI): The public Ganeshotsav, a tradition over 100 years old, has been officially declared as the 'Maharashtra State Festival'. The announcement was made in the Legislative Assembly by the State's Minister of Cultural Affairs, Advocate Ashish Shelar, on Thursday, a press note from the culture minister's office said. While making a statement in the Assembly, Minister Ashish Shelar said, 'Public Ganeshotsav was started in Maharashtra in 1893 by Lokmanya Tilak. This festival is deeply rooted in social, national, freedom, self-respect, and linguistic pride. It continues in the same spirit today. It is a matter of pride and honour for Maharashtra.' He emphasised that the Government of Maharashtra is committed to preserving and promoting the cultural significance and global presence of this festival. He also highlighted that certain individuals, for various reasons, have attempted to challenge the traditional public celebration of Ganeshotsav in different courts. However, the Mahayuti government--under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Dada Pawar--has acted swiftly to overcome all such restrictions and legal hurdles. Ganeshotsav, also known as Ganesh Chaturthi. Ganesh Chaturthi is a 10-day festival that continues until Anantha Chaturdashi. This festival is also known as Vinayak Chaturthi or Vinayak Chavithi. During Ganesh Chaturthi, Lord Ganesha is worshipped as the god of new beginnings and the remover of obstacles. During Ganesh Chaturthi, Lord Ganesha is worshipped as the god of new beginnings and the remover of obstacles. Devotees across India and abroad celebrate Lord Ganesha's wisdom and intelligence. Homes and pandals are adorned with elaborate decorations, and the air is filled with prayers, music, and festive chants. The streets come alive with vibrant processions and traditional rituals as people prepare delicious offerings and visit the beautifully decorated pandals. (ANI)
