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Maharashtra declares Ganeshotsav official state festival
Ganeshotsav has long held significance for the diaspora, with celebrations now established in cities like London, New York, Toronto, Dubai, and Melbourne.
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Malvika Choudhary - Fri, 11, Jul 2025
- 15:10 EDT
- 24
Ganeshotsav / Pexels
The Maharashtra government on July 10 officially declared Ganeshotsav as the state festival, giving recognition to the 100-year-old event that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha.
The announcement was made in the Legislative Assembly by Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar, who said the move reaffirms the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting Maharashtra’s cultural heritage.
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The festival was first popularised by freedom fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak in 1893 to unite people across caste and class lines under British colonial rule.
“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,” he said.
As per the official announcement the state will now bear the expenses related to infrastructure, police deployment, and grand-scale celebrations across cities like Mumbai, Pune, and others.
During the previous government, several restrictions were imposed on the use of Plaster of Paris (POP) idols, citing environmental concerns under the guidelines of the Central Pollution Control Board.
Shelar said that the current administration took a more scientific and balanced approach by commissioning an in-depth study by the Kakodkar Committee through the Rajiv Gandhi Science Commission to evaluate the real environmental impact of POP idols.
Based on the committee’s findings, which were later approved by Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, the ban was lifted, and the making, displaying, and selling of POP idols are now permitted as per court directives.
In a further push to align the festival with national themes, the minister appealed to Ganpati Mandals to incorporate messages that reflect patriotism and social awareness. He specifically encouraged mandals to include themes highlighting the contributions of the armed forces, India’s developmental milestones, Operation Sindoor, and tributes to national leaders. “This Ganesh festival must reflect social consciousness, environmental responsibility, and the joy of celebration,” he added.
The announcement is expected to resonate widely among Maharashtrian communities in India and abroad. Ganeshotsav has long held significance for the diaspora, with celebrations now established in cities like London, New York, Toronto, Dubai, and Melbourne.
Overseas mandals often replicate the grandeur of Mumbai and Pune’s processions, complete with cultural performances, eco-friendly idols, and traditional food.
With the state now formally recognizing the festival and offering support, there is growing anticipation that diaspora celebrations may see increased coordination with official cultural missions, boosting Maharashtra’s cultural diplomacy and strengthening ties with the global Marathi-speaking community.
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