Maharashtra Announces State Competition for Best 2026 Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandals

The Maharashtra government has announced a state-level competition to honour outstanding sarvajanik (public) Ganeshotsav mandals for the 2026 festival, according to an official statement issued on Thursday.

District-level committees have been formed to evaluate and select the best mandals across the state. Members of these committees will visit the mandals in person during the festival period to assess their celebrations against various evaluation criteria.

Under the guidelines, eligibility for the competition is open to sarvajanik Ganeshotsav mandals based in Maharashtra, in other parts of India, and overseas. Mandals can participate provided they organise their celebrations around social, cultural, and constructive community activities.

The annual Ganeshotsav festival for 2026 is scheduled to begin on September 14.