State Government’s Grand Preparations to Celebrate Ganeshotsav as a “State Festival” – Announcement by Minister of Cultural Affairs Adv. Ashish Shelar

Mumbai, Aug 2025 :The state machinery is fully prepared to celebrate this year’s Ganeshotsav, a festival with decades of tradition, as a “State Festival.” The celebrations will include Ganesh Mandal and household Ganesh decoration competitions, illuminations across city squares, drone shows, and various cultural programs. For the first time, the state government will directly participate in the festivities, with a budget allocation of approximately ₹11 crore, announced Minister of Cultural Affairs Adv. Ashish Shelar.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Shelar said,

“Our Ganeshotsav is recognized as one of the grandest festivals in India and the world. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and with the cooperation of Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, the Maharashtra Government has declared Ganeshotsav as a State Festival.”

As per the government’s decision, Ganesh Mandals—from the taluka level to the state level—that follow religious traditions while promoting eco-friendly practices and engaging in social initiatives will be awarded prizes. A drone festival will be organized at Girgaon Chowpatty, while illuminations will brighten public spaces in Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, Mumbai, and other parts of the state. From this year onward, a digital platform will be created so that citizens can witness Ganesh celebrations from their homes. Additionally, a scheme has been announced to provide direct grants worth lakhs of rupees to Bhajan groups for devotional song materials during the festival.

The government also aims to celebrate Ganeshotsav on an international scale so that Lord Ganesha’s arrival is marked with grandeur worldwide. Two separate, detailed government resolutions have been issued outlining competitions and various programs. The festival’s planning and coordination will be managed by the P. L. Deshpande Kala Academy and the Directorate of Cultural Affairs.

Maharashtra Government’s Participation in Ganeshotsav – State Festival

• Unveiling of the State Festival logo
• Cultural programs across the state showcasing Maharashtra’s art, culture, and traditions. These will also be organized outside the state in regions with significant Marathi-speaking populations, and even in certain countries abroad with large Marathi communities.
• Organization of lecture series.
• Hosting of a Spiritual Drama Festival on the occasion of Ganeshotsav.
• Creation of an online portal to provide live streaming of major temples and public Ganesh Mandal displays.
• Competitions at the taluka level to award the best public Ganesh Mandals.
• Development of a platform for uploading photos and video clips of household and public Ganesh celebrations.
• Special recognition for films that depict Ganesha-related traditions, art, and culture.
• Issuance of Ganeshotsav-themed postage stamps and coins.
• Statewide reels competition on the theme of Lord Ganesha.
• Organization of a drone show.
• Nationwide publicity for the State Festival through newspapers, news channels, radio, and social media.
• Special programs and initiatives to attract both inter-state and international tourists.
• Decorative lighting and beautification at key locations during the festival.
• Distribution of materials and grants to Bhajan groups presenting traditional devotional songs and aarti.
• State-level Bhajan competition.
• Provision of amenities and transport arrangements for inter-state and international tourists attending the immersion ceremonies.
• Initiatives to involve foreign students studying in Maharashtra in the celebrations.

Minister Shelar expressed joy at declaring the “Ganeshotsav – State Festival” resolution at the feet of Lord Ganesha and stated that the government intends to make this celebration a grand cultural landmark for Maharashtra and beyond.