Pune: Maharashtra Declares Ganesh Festival as ‘State Festival,’ Plans Global Promotion: Ashish Shelar
Pune, 20th August 2025: The Maharashtra government has officially declared the public Ganesh festival a ‘State Festival’ and outlined ambitious plans to project it on the global stage. The announcement was made by Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar during a review meeting at the District Collector’s office in Pune on Wednesday.
Shelar urged Ganesh mandals, citizens, and officials to work collectively to present the festival as a showcase of Maharashtra’s heritage and India’s cultural strength. “This year, mandals should highlight themes such as the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Operation Sindoor, use of indigenous products, Maharashtra’s 12 UNESCO World Heritage forts, and environmental conservation,” he said.
Permissions & Public Engagement:
District collectors have been authorized to grant extended sound permissions until midnight for seven days during the festival. Shelar also proposed live-streaming darshan from major Ganesh mandals and temples to ensure inclusivity. Special attractions such as CRPF and police band performances, dog shows, and cultural programs are also planned.
Students, NSS volunteers, and social groups will be actively engaged in various awareness and cultural activities.
Shelar directed Mahavitaran to ensure an uninterrupted power supply for mandals. A dedicated online portal will soon provide free materials for bhajani mandals performing aartis.
The government has also unveiled an official Ganesh festival emblem, which will be illuminated across government buildings, heritage sites, and major city squares. Plans include drone shows along immersion routes, social message hoardings, and beautification of key chowks.
Emphasizing the festival’s cultural and historical depth, Shelar said it should also reflect India’s strength through Operation Sindoor, promote indigenous products, and honour freedom fighters with information displays. He urged mandals to involve foreign students, diplomats, and international visitors to foster cultural exchange.
The state will also organize Marathi theatre festivals, lecture series, painting and essay contests, and social media campaigns across districts to celebrate Marathi traditions.
The review meeting was attended by Pune MLAs Siddharth Shirole and Hemant Rasne, Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, District Collector Jitendra Dudi, ZP CEO Gajanan Patil, SP Sandeep Gill, along with senior officials from multiple departments.
