Maharashtra Offers Rs 1.5 Crore in Prizes for 480 Mandals in Ganeshotsav Push
MUMBAI — A total of 480 public Ganeshotsav mandals across Maharashtra will compete for Rs 1.5 crore in prizes during the 2026 festival, Cultural Affairs Minister Advocate Ashish Shelar announced on Monday, as the state government steps up efforts to secure a spot for the festival on UNESCO's World Heritage List.
The state government has issued an official Government Resolution directing all administrative departments, subordinate offices, establishments, and corporations across Maharashtra to implement cultural, social, environment-friendly, and awareness programmes. The objective is to celebrate Ganeshotsav on an expanded scale as the official 'State Festival'.
Under the directive, the initiatives aim to drive community involvement from rural villages to major urban centres. The state-wide campaign focuses on increasing public participation while promoting eco-friendly practices throughout the celebrations.
In addition to local activities across Maharashtra, cultural programmes will be organized in all 36 districts of the state. The outreach will also extend beyond state and national borders, with scheduled events planned across 10 states in India and one country outside India during the festive period.
The state administration's coordinated push is designed to highlight the cultural significance, social unity, and environmental responsibility associated with the festival as part of its ongoing bid to gain formal recognition from UNESCO.
