Maharashtra declares ‘Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav’ as State Festival, lifts POP idol ban

Maharashtra government has formally declared Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav, the public celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi, as the 'State Festival'. The announcement was made in the Legislative Assembly by Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar, who emphasised the festival’s significance to Maharashtra’s cultural identity.

As per reports, this year, the 10-day Ganeshotsav will commence on August 27.

Ganeshotsav Mandals have been encouraged to include themes that honour the armed forces and initiatives like Operation Sindoor.
They are also urged to highlight national development and pay tribute to historical leaders in their displays.

As per an official statement, restrictions on Plaster of Paris (POP) idols, previously enforced under Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines, have been re-evaluated. A study by the Kakodkar Committee, commissioned by the Rajiv Gandhi Science Commission, concluded that the environmental impact of POP required a more balanced assessment. The Union Environment Ministry subsequently approved the lifting of the ban, and the courts permitted the use of POP idols.

Furthermore, the state government announced full support for the festival, including police security, infrastructure, and financial assistance for public celebrations in Mumbai, Pune, and other parts of the state.