Maharashtra government announces Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav an official state festival. Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar announced this declaration during the Legislative Assembly session. Though, this is a major decision on its own, giving government support and funding to possibly the biggest cultural festival in the state is an important and significant step.
Ganeshotsav State Festival
The announcement of Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav as a state festival was a major announcement by Ashish Shelar, the state’s Cultural Affairs Minister, during the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. This means that the state government will now be responsible for the costs of organising the large-scale Ganesh festivals across various cities and villages in Maharashtra.
This decision is viewed by many as a step to preserve and promote a significant part of the culture and traditions of Maharashtra. Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav or Public Ganesh Festival is one of the most celebrated festivals in the state of Maharashtra.
History and Cultural Significance
The minister also stated that freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak, who would come to be known as the father of Indian nationalism, started the Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav in 1893 with two important objectives. One aim was to unite people and another was to stoke the spirit of freedom and nationalism during the British rule.
Minister Shelar stated that the festival is not simply a religious celebration. It is also a symbol of unity, Marathi pride and cultural identity to the state of Maharashtra. He concluded, “Ganeshotsav is more than just a festival, it is a symbol of Maharashtra’s cultural pride”.
By making it a state festival, the Maharashtra government will now take care of promotion, management, and expenses related to the festival. This will include support for local organising committees, decoration, and public events.
