Come On… Let’s Participate in the Best Ganeshotsav Mandal Competition!

In 2023, awards were presented to the best public Ganeshotsav mandals across the state to encourage widespread participation. Continuing this tradition, the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has decided to award the best public Ganeshotsav mandals in the state for the year 2024, as per the government resolution dated 31st July 2024.

Selection Procedure:

Public Ganeshotsav mandals that are registered with the Charity Commissioner, have permission from local police, or are authorized by local self-governing bodies are eligible to participate in this competition. Participating mandals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Cultural Events/Competitions (2 points each, total 20 points):
   • Singing
   • Instrumental Music
   • Dance
   • Drama
   • Folk Art
   • Art Based on Modern Technology
   • Crafts
   • Painting
   • Sculpture
   • Documentary/Film
2. Preservation/Conservation of Culture (2 points each, total 10 points):
   • Innovative initiatives for cultural conservation
   • Exhibitions of traditional collections (coins, weapons, utensils, etc.)
   • Literary activities
   • Conservation of endangered arts
3. Preservation and Conservation of Forts in the State (5 points)
4. Public Awareness and Conservation of National/State Monuments and Religious Sites (5 points)
5. Social Activities (2 points each):
   • Women Empowerment
   • Environmental Protection
   • Promotion of Scientific Approach
   • De-addiction/Elimination of Superstitions/Social Harmony
   • Activities for Senior Citizens
   • Health Initiatives
   • Educational Activities
   • Agricultural Activities
   • Public Awareness of Modern Technology
   • Activities for Disadvantaged Sections
6. Permanent Social Activities (5 points):
   Public Ganeshotsav Mandals engaged in ongoing social activities, such as health services, libraries, old age homes, or village adoption, will be awarded 5 additional points.
7. Eco-Friendly Initiatives:
   • Environmentally Friendly Idol (10 points)
   • Eco-Friendly Decorations (thermocol/plastic-free) (5 points)
   • Noise Pollution-Free Environment (5 points)
   • Competitions of Traditional/Indigenous Sports (10 points)
8. Primary Facilities for Ganesha Devotees (20 points):
   • Drinking Water
   • Restrooms
   • Medical First Aid
   • Discipline in Event Organization
   • Cleanliness of Premises

The work period for this competition is from Anant Chaturdashi 2023 to Ganesh Chaturdashi 2024.

Public Ganeshotsav Mandals that have won state or district-level awards in the last two consecutive years are not eligible, to allow opportunities for other mandals.

Applications should be sent to P.L. Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Akademi, Mumbai, at mahotsav.plda@gmail.com before 31st August 2024.

District-Level Selection Committee:

1. Deputy Collector from the Collector’s Office – Chairman
2. Professor of Arts from Government Arts College – Member
3. Officer from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board – Member
4. District Health Officer – Member
5. District Police Officer – Member
6. District Planning Officer – Member Secretary

The District Collector will coordinate the committee, which will visit the sites, collect videography, and gather necessary documents. The committee will grade each Ganeshotsav Mandal and recommend the best three from four districts (Mumbai, Mumbai Suburbs, Pune, Thane) and the best from other districts. The recommendations, along with supporting documents, will be sent to the State Committee via the District Collector to P.L. Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Akademi.

State-Level Selection Committee:

1. Founder/Senior Professor from Sir J.J. School of Art – Chairman
2. Senior Group-A Officer from the Environment Department – Member
3. State Public Relations Officer, National Service Scheme – Member Secretary

The State-Level Committee will select the top three winners from the recommendations. The first, second, and third winning public Ganeshotsav mandals will receive the following prizes and certificates from the state government:

• First Prize: ₹5,00,000
• Second Prize: ₹2,50,000
• Third Prize: ₹1,00,000

Out of the 44 Public Ganeshotsav Mandals selected by the District Level Committee, the remaining 41 Public Ganeshotsav Mandals, excluding the top 3 winners, will each be honored with a prize of ₹25,000 and a certificate from the State Government.

The district administration has also appealed for the maximum number of public Ganeshotsav mandals to participate in this competition.