Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 10: In a landmark announcement, Maharashtra’s Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar declared Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav as the official State Festival of Maharashtra during the Legislative Assembly session on Thursday.

Tracing its origins back to 1893, when freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak transformed Ganeshotsav into a public celebration to foster social unity and nationalism, Shelar highlighted its enduring role in preserving Maharashtra’s cultural ethos. “Ganeshotsav is not just a celebration—it embodies our pride, language, freedom, and cultural identity,” he said.

Reaffirming the Mahayuti government’s commitment to upholding this legacy, Shelar emphasized that all attempts to obstruct the celebration through legal petitions were swiftly addressed under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar.

He also criticized earlier curbs on Plaster of Paris (POP) idols imposed during the previous government, which cited environmental concerns without viable alternatives. “Instead of bans, we conducted a detailed scientific study through the Kakodkar Committee to determine the true environmental impact. Based on the findings, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav approved the lifting of POP restrictions, and idol-making is now allowed as per court directions,” Shelar clarified.

The minister assured full government support for Ganeshotsav celebrations across Maharashtra—including financial aid, police security, and infrastructure—particularly in major cities like Mumbai and Pune.

Calling the festival a reflection of social awareness and responsibility, he encouraged Ganesh mandals to use themes that honour the armed forces, promote social causes, highlight development milestones, and pay tribute to national heroes.

“With this declaration, we celebrate more than a tradition—we affirm Ganeshotsav as the soul of Maharashtra,” Shelar said.