Ganeshotsav Now Maharashtra's State Festival: What Does It Mean? Do Other States Have Such Fests?

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Ganeshotsav Now Maharashtra's State Festival: What does the status from state mean? Are PoP idols allowed? What does Ganpati Bappa Morya mean? The history and tradition explained
Ganeshotsav Now Maharashtra's State Festival: Maharashtra has declared Ganeshotsav, the 10-day festival which starts on Ganesh Chaturthi, as 'Maharashtra State Festival' or 'Rajya Utsav '.
The demand was made by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Hemant Rasane. Maharashtra's Minister of Cultural Affairs Ashish Shelar made the announcement in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday.
Ganeshotsav began in Maharashtra as a private, household celebration of Lord Ganesha, but it was transformed into a large-scale public festival in 1893 by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak in Pune. At the time, British colonial rule had banned public political gatherings, so Tilak used the religious and cultural appeal of Ganesha—widely worshipped across all castes—as a unifying symbol to promote nationalism and community spirit. By organising Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav with large idols, public processions, bhajans, speeches, and social activities, Tilak turned the festival into a platform for anti-colonial sentiment and social unity. This idea quickly spread across Maharashtra—especially in cities like Mumbai, Nagpur, and Kolhapur—where local mandals formed and the festival grew into a vibrant public event. After independence, Ganeshotsav evolved further into a major cultural tradition marked by artistic pandals, social messaging, and mass participation.
How does Maharashtra celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi?
What does the chant 'Ganpati Bappa Morya' mean?
Ganpati: Another name for Lord Ganesha, meaning 'Lord of the Ganas (attendants)".
Bappa: A Marathi word meaning father, lord, or a term of deep affection and reverence.
Morya: Refers to Morya Gosavi, a 14th–15th century saint and ardent devotee of Ganesha from Chinchwad, near Pune.
The chant became popular when Tilak made it a public festival.
What did Ashish Shelar say on Maharashtra's Ganeshotsav?
'Public Ganeshotsav was started in Maharashtra in 1893 by Lokmanya Tilak. This festival is deeply rooted in social, national, freedom, self-respect, and linguistic pride. It continues in the same spirit today. It is a matter of pride and honour for Maharashtra," he said.
He emphasised that the Government of Maharashtra is committed to preserving and promoting the cultural significance and global presence of this festival.
बाप्पा मोरया!गणेशोत्सव म्हणजे केवळ सण नसून, श्रद्धेची, एकतेची आणि आनंदाची भावना आहे. आम्ही मुंबईकर गणेशोत्सवाची, आणि आपल्या लाडक्या बाप्पाच्या आगमनाची वर्षभर आतुरतेने वाट पाहतो. तो सोहळा पुन्हा एकदा आपल्या सर्वांच्या आयुष्यात आनंद घेऊन आला आहे.
आज लालबाग सार्वजनिक उत्सव… pic.twitter.com/m2ACi1D23m
— Adv. Ashish Shelar – ॲड. आशिष शेलार (@ShelarAshish) July 10, 2025
What does 'State Festival' status for Ganeshotsav mean?
There is no specific act or statute establishing this designation—rather, it is an executive and legislative decision.
The status means:
The festival will receive direct state-level funding for infrastructure, security (e.g. police), and organisation.
The government will actively promote it nationally and internationally, integrating themes like social initiatives, armed forces, and Operation Sindoor into mandal displays.
Are PoP idols allowed in this year's Ganeshotsav?
The previous government had imposed curbs on POP (Plaster of Paris) idols, citing guidelines of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). 'We initiated a comprehensive study to explore eco-friendly alternatives and assess whether POP is truly harmful to the environment. We commissioned an in-depth study by the Kakodkar Committee through the Rajiv Gandhi Science Commission. Union Minister Bhupender Yadav approved the findings, and the earlier restrictions were lifted. As per the court's ruling, the making, displaying and selling of POP idols are now permitted," said Shelar.
Do other states have 'State Festivals' like Maharashtra's Ganeshotsav?
Arunachal Pradesh: Pakke Paga (Hornbill) Festival was declared a State Festival in January 2019 to highlight hornbill conservation and indigenous wisdom.
Manipur: Shirui Lily Festival, a four-day event honouring the state flower was declared a State Festival in 2017.
Jharkhand: Oraon Pilgrimage at Sirasita was elevated to state festival status in early 2025.
Karnataka: Mysuru Dasara was has been officially designated as a State Festival. A grand 10-day cultural extravaganza during Navaratri, culminating in Vijayadashami, featuring palace processions with elephants, cultural performances, and state pageantry Wikipedia.
Andhra Pradesh: Ahobilam Paruveta Utsavam was declared a state festival in March 2024. This centuries old mock-hunting festival is centered on the deity Narasimha Swamy, with rituals across several tribal villages. Ratha Saptami at Arasavalli Temple, too, is a State Festival.
Telangana: Sadar Sammelan (Buffalo Parade) was declared as a State Festival in November 2024.
Uttarakhand: Maa Varahi Bagwal Mela was declared a State Government fair/festival in July 2022. Held in Champawat during Raksha Bandhan, it involves unique rituals at the Maa Varahi temple and attracts devotees nationwide.
With Agency Inputs
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First Published:
July 11, 2025, 12:24 IST
News explainers Ganeshotsav Now Maharashtra's State Festival: What Does It Mean? Do Other States Have Such Fests?
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