Ganesh Festival: The State Festival

Aug 2025 : This year, with the state government declaring Ganesh Chaturthi as a “State Festival,” the cultural identity of Maharashtra will be further strengthened. With public participation, digital outreach, international recognition, and eco-friendly initiatives, this festival is set to evolve from a religious observance to a cultural celebration that unites the world. This article provides information on various decisions related to this.

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on a large scale in Maharashtra, where it has become a public festival. In the 19th century, Lokmanya Tilak introduced Ganesh Chaturthi as a public festival, which significantly increased its popularity. Particularly, the Ganesh festival in Mumbai and Pune is world-renowned. The Ganesh festival has gained recognition as one of the largest festivals in the world. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with the cooperation of Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, the Maharashtra government has officially declared the Ganesh festival as a state festival.

Ganesh Chaturthi is a cultural hallmark of Maharashtra. The state government has taken great pleasure in designating this festival as the “State Festival” this year. Every individual in society participates in Ganesh Chaturthi. As the state government celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi for the first time, the main objective is to celebrate this festival on a larger scale and increase public participation. Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Aashish Shelar has instructed all state and central government officials to promote their involvement through various initiatives and to publicize them extensively on their social media channels.

The Ganesh festival is celebrated not just in Maharashtra but in 22 countries. This festival is observed in both public and private formats, and with state government involvement, it aims to connect all religions, castes, and languages. During this Ganesh festival, prizes worth ₹10 crores have been allocated for various cultural competitions at the taluka and state levels, and a special campaign is being run through social media. The P.L. Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy will award outstanding public Ganesh Mandals at the taluka, district, and state levels. Approximately ₹1.5 crores will be awarded to around 480 public Ganesh Mandals across the state.

On the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, each department is expected to organize theatrical performances, music shows, and cultural programs. Events featuring the forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which have received UNESCO’s World Heritage status, Operation Sindoor, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and the Swadeshi initiative will be organized. A special platform will be established to allow the upload of photos and videos of home and public Ganesh celebrations, with live streaming available for major mandals. Additionally, competitions for essays, paintings, and blogs on various topics will be organized.

During the 10-day Ganesh festival, special initiatives, competitions, and decorations will be undertaken within each department, along with honoring former soldiers through “Operation Sindoor.” The directions also include recognizing the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Swadeshi initiatives.

The designation of the Ganesh festival as a “State Festival” will further solidify Maharashtra’s cultural identity. With public participation, digital outreach, international recognition, and eco-friendly initiatives, this festival will become a cultural event that unites the world rather than being just a religious occasion. The government machinery is ready to celebrate the Ganesh festival this year as a state festival, featuring competitions for Ganesh Mandals and home decorations, illuminated displays in neighborhoods, drone shows, and various cultural programs.

As per the government decision, public Ganesh Mandals that work on eco-friendly and social initiatives according to religious practices will be awarded at the taluka and state levels. A drone festival will be organized at Girgaon Chowpatty, and illumination will be done at public places across Maharashtra, including Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, and Mumbai, where possible. During the Ganesh festival, a direct grant of millions of rupees will be given to bhajan mandals for materials used in devotional singing. A state-level bhajan competition will be organized. Various facilities and transport arrangements will be available for interstate and international tourists during the immersion ceremony. Plans and programs are being implemented to encourage international students studying in the state to participate in this festival.

This year, permission has been granted for the use of sound systems until midnight for the Ganesh festival, and the administration has discussed this decision with the Ganesh Mandals and people’s representatives. Renowned Ganesh Mandals and temples are encouraged to provide live streaming of darshan for devotees from home. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) band show, police band performances, and dog shows will also be organized. Schools, colleges, NSS students, and social organizations will be encouraged to participate in organizing the events. The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) will provide electricity to Ganesh Mandals, and free materials will be distributed to bhajan mandals. A drone show will be organized along the immersion route, and social messages will be disseminated through advertisements. Foreign students, citizens, and officials from embassies will be encouraged to participate. The administration should prepare according to the weather forecasts provided by the Indian Meteorological Department.

Everyone should be honored during the Ganesh festival. Efforts should be made to unite as many individuals, organizations, and various social groups as possible for social harmony. Various competitions should be organized at the taluka and district levels to preserve and promote various cultural themes. A Marathi theatre festival should be organized to encourage Marathi culture, artists, and traditions. Lectures, painting competitions, and essay competitions should also be organized on various topics. Extensive dissemination and publicity should be done through social media. Ganesh Mandals should raise awareness about Operation Sindoor and the use of indigenous products. Public Ganesh Mandals are expected to promote the strength shown by India to the world through Operation Sindoor and the use of indigenous products during this year’s Ganesh festival. Information boards should honor freedom fighters and highlight their contributions. Mandals should coordinate with the administration to celebrate the Ganesh festival peacefully and joyfully. This year’s Ganesh festival should be celebrated in a way that it remains memorable as a state festival, according to the hopes of Ganesh devotees.