Maharashtra Government to Celebrate Ganeshotsav, Now a State Festival, With Multiple Events and Activities
Mumbai, August 16, 2025: This year’s Ganesh Festival will be more vibrant as the festival has been already declared as a state festival and the Government of Maharashtra will actively participate in the celebrations across the state with multiple events and activities.
Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department finalized this decision through a government resolution on August 14, 2025. Cultural Affairs Minister Advocate Ashish Shelar announced that the government will spend Rs. 11 crore for the celebrations during the festival across the state.
Ganeshotsav was first started by Lokmanya Tilak during the freedom movement to bring people together against the British rule. The festival has now become one of most celebrated festivals in Maharashtra. Due to its social, cultural, and economic importance, the state decided to elevate the status of this festival to a state festival and actively participate during the celebrations.
Maharashtra government will host Ganesh decoration competitions, illuminations at major squares, drone shows, cultural programmes, and special events in cities and districts. The state government also plans to organise a state-level lecture series, theatre festivals, online darshan facilities for major Ganesh temples, and a digital platform where families can upload photos of household Ganesh idols.
The Pu La Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy has been assigned as the nodal agency to coordinate the celebrations and activities on behalf of the state government. Several departments such as the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari, and district administrations, will work together to implement the programmes.
Government Activities During Ganeshotsav State Festival:
- Grants amounting to Rs.5 crore will be distributed among registered Bhajan Mandals across Maharashtra.
- State, district, and taluka-level competitions for Ganeshotsav committees, with ₹1.5 crore earmarked for awards to around 480 mandals.
- A special postage stamp and commemorative coin will be launched symbolizing the state festival.
- Drone shows in major cities, especially the state capital, Mumbai.
- Promotion through newspapers, TV, radio, and social media across the state.
- Cultural programmes and reels competitions on Ganeshotsav themes.
- Awards for Marathi films showcasing Ganeshotsav traditions.
- Attractive lighting and coordinated immersion processions across cities.
District collectors will oversee and ensure that programmes and celebrations are conducted smoothly. The administrationn will run promotional campaigns nationwide to showcase Maharashtra’s Ganeshotsav on a larger scale.
The government has announced that all expenses will be incurred from the funds available for the festival for 2025-26 financial year.
