Latest news with #StateFestivalofMaharashtra
Mint
10-07-2025
- 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.
NDTV
10-07-2025
- 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.
News18
10-07-2025
- 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.
