Maharashtra govt to recognise Ganeshotsav as ‘state festival’

“The annual Ganesh festival has become an inseparable part of Maharashtra’s social, cultural and historical heritage. The festival originated in Maharashtra and enjoys widespread public support. Therefore, it is essential to grant official recognition to this festival as Maharashtra’s ‘State Festival”, said Rasane.

Cultural minister Ashish Shelar said the demand of Rasane is accepted and the Ganesh festival will be recognised as ‘state festival’ from now onwards. “The annual Ganesh festival for this year is near as per dates. Thus, it is necessary to clear certain things now itself ahead of the festival. It will be recognised as state festival,” he said. The state government would spend as much money is required for the festival, he added.

The minister said the state government has managed to overcome the ban of Plaster of Paris idols and through the help of scientific organisation has convinced that they will not cause pollution due to which the manufacturing, sale and use of idols of Plaster of Paris is now allowed. “Some people through court tried to bring on restrictions in celebration of Ganesh festival but the state government is removing the speedbreakers in celebrations,” said Shelar adding the state is also trying to address the ban of immersing the Plaster of Paris idols in water bodies.

Earlier, Rasane said that Tilak introduced the Ganesh festival for public celebration to mobilise collective strength for India’s freedom struggle, he said adding the primary goal was to foster social harmony across different castes and religions and to unite the people’s power for the independence movement.

This festival has now spread in the entire country and through constructive social work, it has produced many prominent social and political activists, said Rasane.

“Along with entertainment, activists display scientific and socially relevant messages through the various decorations and tableaux they create at their pandals. However, restrictions on the celebration have hindered the hard work of these activists. Therefore, the government should assist in making this festival a 24-hour event in cities like Pune,” said BJP legislator.

As tourists from across the country and abroad visit the festival in Pune, it is vital to improve infrastructure and provide better roads, pothole-free streets, well-maintained footpaths, street lighting, public restrooms—especially for women—and effective disaster management systems, all of which must be provided through the state machinery, he said.

Just as Pune city was decorated for the G20 summit, a similar level of decoration should be done during Ganeshotsav, said Rasane adding, “The state government’s management of the Pandharpur pilgrimage was widely praised, even by opposition members of the legislative assembly. Similarly, proper planning for the Ganeshotsav in Pune is essential. For this, the state government should allocate at least ₹100 crore as additional funding for the festival in Pune.”

Ganeshotsav in Pune city should be considered as a key religious tourism event as the religious sites are being made tourist attractions as per the roadmap of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Thus, a separate plan and find allocation on the grounds of Pandharpur pilgrimage is required for Ganeshotsav.