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State grants ‘Maharashtra State Festival' status to Ganeshotsav, promises funds
State grants ‘Maharashtra State Festival' status to Ganeshotsav, promises funds

Time of India

time10-07-2025

  • 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.

'Sarvajanik Ganehotsav' announced as ‘State Festival of Maharashtra', confirms Ashish Shelar
'Sarvajanik Ganehotsav' announced as ‘State Festival of Maharashtra', confirms Ashish Shelar

Mint

time10-07-2025

  • Politics
  • Mint

'Sarvajanik Ganehotsav' announced as ‘State Festival of Maharashtra', confirms Ashish Shelar

The Maharashtra government on Thursday officially declared over-a-century-old 'Sarvajanik Ganehotsav' as the 'State Festival of Maharashtra', reported PTI quoting Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar as saying. Ashish Shelar made the announcement in the legislative assembly and said, as quoted by PTI, "Ganeshotsav is not just a celebration. It is a symbol of Maharashtra's cultural pride and identity.' With the announcement, the state government asserted that it was committed to preserving and promoting the cultural legacy of the festival. Earlier in 1893, Lokmanya (Bal Gangadhar) Tilak started the Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav (public celebration of Ganesh festival) in Maharashtra. "The very essence of this festival is rooted in social unity, nationalism, the spirit of freedom, self-respect, and pride in our language,' he said. Shelar said, 'While some individuals attempted to hinder this age-old public tradition by raising various court petitions, trying to obstruct the celebrations, the Mahayuti government acted swiftly and decisively removed all such hurdles.' Elaborating on more balanced view, Shelar said that their government have approached the issue of imposed curbs on POP (Plaster of Paris) idols with more balanced view. The previous government had imposed curbs on POP (Plaster of Paris) idols, citing guidelines of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) but without offering practical alternatives. 'We initiated a comprehensive study to explore eco-friendly alternatives and assess whether POP is truly harmful to the environment. We commissioned an in-depth study by the Kakodkar Committee through the Rajiv Gandhi Science Commission." 'Union Minister Bhupender Yadav approved the findings, and the earlier restrictions were lifted. As per the court's ruling, the making, displaying and selling of POP idols are now permitted,' he said. The minister declared that the Maharashtra government will bear the required expenses related to police security, infrastructure needs, or financial support for grand celebrations in cities like Pune, Mumbai, and across the state. 'Celebrating Ganeshotsav with full enthusiasm is not just a tradition but a core belief of the Mahayuti government. I appeal to all Ganpati Mandals to incorporate themes in their festivities that honour our armed forces, showcase social initiatives, 'Operation Sindoor', highlight the nation's developmental achievements and pay tributes to our great leaders in their decorative displays,' Shelar said. This year, the 10-day Ganpati festival will begin on August 27.

Maharashtra Declares Ganeshotsav As State Festival
Maharashtra Declares Ganeshotsav As State Festival

NDTV

time10-07-2025

  • Politics
  • NDTV

Maharashtra Declares Ganeshotsav As State Festival

Mumbai: The over-a-century-old 'Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav' was on Thursday officially declared as the 'State Festival of Maharashtra', with the government asserting that it was committed to preserving and promoting the cultural legacy of the festival. Making the announcement in the legislative assembly, Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar said, "Ganeshotsav is not just a celebration. It is a symbol of Maharashtra's cultural pride and identity." The minister said in a statement that Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav (public celebration of Ganesh festival) in Maharashtra was started by Lokmanya (Bal Gangadhar) Tilak in 1893. "The very essence of this festival is rooted in social unity, nationalism, the spirit of freedom, self-respect, and pride in our language," he said. The Maharashtra government is firmly committed to preserving, promoting and celebrating the cultural legacy of Ganeshotsav across the state and the nation, Shelar said. "While some individuals attempted to hinder this age-old public tradition by raising various court petitions, trying to obstruct the celebrations, the Mahayuti government acted swiftly and decisively removed all such hurdles," he said. The previous government had imposed curbs on POP (Plaster of Paris) idols, citing guidelines of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) but without offering practical alternatives. Shelar said his department approached the issue with a more balanced view. "We initiated a comprehensive study to explore eco-friendly alternatives and assess whether POP is truly harmful to the environment. We commissioned an in-depth study by the Kakodkar Committee through the Rajiv Gandhi Science Commission. "Union Minister Bhupender Yadav approved the findings, and the earlier restrictions were lifted. As per the court's ruling, the making, displaying and selling of POP idols are now permitted," he said. The BJP-led Mahayuti government has taken a clear and proactive stance on Ganeshotsav. Be it police security, infrastructure needs, or financial support for grand celebrations in cities like Pune, Mumbai, and across the state, the Maharashtra government will bear the required expenses, the minister declared. "Celebrating Ganeshotsav with full enthusiasm is not just a tradition but a core belief of the Mahayuti government. I appeal to all Ganpati Mandals to incorporate themes in their festivities that honour our armed forces, showcase social initiatives, 'Operation Sindoor', highlight the nation's developmental achievements and pay tributes to our great leaders in their decorative displays," Shelar said. This year, the 10-day Ganpati festival will begin on August 27.

Maharashtra Declares ‘Ganeshotsav' As Official State Festival
Maharashtra Declares ‘Ganeshotsav' As Official State Festival

News18

time10-07-2025

  • Politics
  • News18

Maharashtra Declares ‘Ganeshotsav' As Official State Festival

Last Updated: The public celebration of welcoming Lord Ganesh traces back to 1893 when Bal Gangadhar Tilak popularised the festival as a symbol of unity and resistance during colonial rule. In a significant move seen as a cultural assertion, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis-led Maharashtra government on Thursday officially declared over-a-century-old ' Sarvajanik Ganehotsav ' (Ganpati festival) as the 'State Festival of Maharashtra'. Making the announcement in the legislative assembly, Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar emphasised the festival's deep-rooted connection with the state's social and national history. The public celebration of welcoming Lord Ganesh traces back to 1893 when freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak popularised the festival as a symbol of unity and resistance during colonial rule. 'Ganeshotsav is not just a celebration. It is a symbol of Maharashtra's cultural pride and identity," Shelar said adding that Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav the state was started by Lokmanya Tilak in 1893. 'The very essence of this festival is rooted in social unity, nationalism, the spirit of freedom, self-respect, and pride in our language," he said as quoted by news agency PTI. Shelar further said that the government remains firmly committed to preserving Ganeshotsav's cultural legacy despite previous hindrances such as court petitions aimed at obstructing the celebrations. 'The Maharashtra government is firmly committed to preserving, promoting and celebrating the cultural legacy of Ganeshotsav across the state and the nation. While some individuals attempted to hinder this age-old public tradition by raising various court petitions, trying to obstruct the celebrations, the Mahayuti government acted swiftly and decisively removed all such hurdles," he added. The previous government had imposed curbs on POP (Plaster of Paris) idols, citing guidelines of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) but without offering practical alternatives. Shelar said his department approached the issue with a more balanced view. 'We initiated a comprehensive study to explore eco-friendly alternatives and assess whether POP is truly harmful to the environment. We commissioned an in-depth study by the Kakodkar Committee through the Rajiv Gandhi Science Commission. Union Minister Bhupender Yadav approved the findings, and the earlier restrictions were lifted. As per the court's ruling, the making, displaying and selling of POP idols are now permitted," he said. The Maharashtra government has further committed to providing financial assistance, police protection, and necessary infrastructure for Ganeshotsav celebrations across the state, including major cities like Pune, Mumbai, and rural towns. 'Celebrating Ganeshotsav with full enthusiasm is not just a tradition but a core belief of the Mahayuti government. I appeal to all Ganpati Mandals to incorporate themes in their festivities that honour our armed forces, showcase social initiatives, 'Operation Sindoor', highlight the nation's developmental achievements and pay tributes to our great leaders in their decorative displays," Shelar said. Shelar stated that the government is willing to bear the costs required to ensure the festival is conducted with full energy and discipline. He encouraged Ganesh Mandals to create thematic displays that highlight the contributions of the Indian Army, social initiatives, Operation Sindoor, national icons, and internal development work, urging them to celebrate with both enthusiasm and social responsibility. This year, the 10-day Ganpati festival will begin on August 27. view comments First Published: July 10, 2025, 18:46 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.

Maharashtra govt declares ‘Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav' as state festival; says it will ‘bear expenses for grand celebrations'
Maharashtra govt declares ‘Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav' as state festival; says it will ‘bear expenses for grand celebrations'

Indian Express

time10-07-2025

  • Politics
  • Indian Express

Maharashtra govt declares ‘Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav' as state festival; says it will ‘bear expenses for grand celebrations'

The Maharashtra government Thursday declared 'Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav' as the state festival. Making the announcement in the Legislative Assembly, Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar said, 'Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav in Maharashtra was started by Lokmanya Tilak in 1893. The very essence of this festival is rooted in social unity, nationalism, the spirit of freedom, self-respect, and pride in our language. That noble tradition continues even today. Ganeshotsav is not just a celebration – it is a symbol of Maharashtra's cultural pride and identity.' Stating that the Maharashtra government was firmly committed to preserving, promoting, and celebrating the cultural legacy of Ganeshotsav across the state and the nation, Shelar added that 'some individuals attempted to hinder this age-old public tradition by raising various court petitions, trying to obstruct the celebration.' 'I wish to place on record that under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the Mahayuti government acted swiftly and decisively removed all such hurdles. 'During the previous government, restrictions were imposed on traditional POP (Plaster of Paris) idols, citing CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) guidelines, without offering practical alternatives. In contrast, our department approached the issue with a more balanced view. 'We initiated a comprehensive study to explore eco-friendly alternatives and assess whether POP is truly harmful to the environment. We commissioned an in-depth study by the Kakodkar Committee through the Rajiv Gandhi Science Commission. Following this, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav approved the findings, and the earlier restrictions were lifted. As per the court's ruling, the making, displaying, and selling of POP idols are now permitted,' the minister further said. The cultural affairs minister claimed that the Devendra Fadnavis-led Mahayuti government has taken a clear and proactive stance on Ganeshotsav. 'Be it police security, infrastructure needs, or financial support for grand celebrations in cities like Pune, Mumbai, and across the state – the Maharashtra government will bear the required expenses,' the minister said. 'I appeal to all Ganpati Mandals to incorporate themes in their festivities that honour our Armed forces, showcase social initiatives, Operation Sindoor, highlight the nation's developmental achievements, and pay tributes to our great leaders in their decorative displays. 'This Ganesh festival must reflect social consciousness, environmental responsibility, and the joy of celebration, Shelar said. This year, Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on August 26. (Reporter: Shubhangi Khapre)

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