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News18
a day ago
- Entertainment
- News18
‘Celebrate Ganeshotsav Like Never Before': Shelar Blames Urban Naxals For Attack On Hindu Fests
Ashish Shelar in Pen: 'There has been a systematic attempt to undermine our festivals like Ganeshotsav, Dahi Handi and Nagpanchami under the guise of environmental concerns." Maharashtra's Cultural Affairs Minister Adv Ashish Shelar on Sunday made an emotional appeal to the people of the state to celebrate this year's Ganeshotsav with unmatched fervour and pride, declaring it a State Festival while warning of a 'well-crafted plot" by so-called urban Naxals to target Hindu traditions. Speaking in the heart of Pen — a small town that has, for generations, given life to millions of Ganesha idols adorning homes and pandals across the country — Shelar's message struck a deeply personal chord with the community of sculptors whose livelihoods are entwined with this beloved festival. Addressing a packed gathering of artisans, local leaders, and residents at Tambadshet, of Raigad district, which is also known as hub of artisans, Shelar did not mince words. 'There has been a systematic attempt to undermine our festivals like Ganeshotsav, Dahi Handi and Nagpanchami under the guise of environmental concerns. But behind this is a deliberate conspiracy by urban Naxal elements with backing from Congress, the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena," Shelar said, receiving thunderous applause from idol makers who see their craft as a sacred tradition. Shelar recalled how the ban on Plaster of Paris (POP) idols, which once threatened to choke the local economy of places like Pen, was part of this larger narrative. 'Had we not stood firm, thousands of idol makers would have been left without work. Our Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ji and I fought this battle shoulder to shoulder — in the courts, on the streets and with the people — and we won," he said, promising continued protection of age-old practices. For many sculptors in attendance, Shelar's announcement that Ganeshotsav will now be officially celebrated as Maharashtra's State Festival felt like justice served. 'This festival feeds our families, binds our communities and keeps our traditions alive. Today we feel seen," said Abhay Mhatre, President of the Maharashtra Ganesh Sculptors' Association. As Shelar ended his address with chants of 'Ganapati Bappa Morya!", the message was loud and clear — this Ganeshotsav, Maharashtra will not just worship an idol but also stand guard against forces that, he said, seek to dilute its cultural soul. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Maharashtra government expands insurance coverage for Dahi Handi participants to 1.5 Lakh
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday directed the state's sports department to extend insurance coverage to 1.5 lakh govindas (participants) taking part in Dahi Handi celebrations this year, with Janmashtami scheduled for August now, the Maharashtra government has been insuring around 75,000 govindas annually. The decision to expand coverage followed a meeting between the Dahi Handi Samanvay Samiti and Fadnavis, accompanied by culture minister Ashish Shelar. The delegation urged the CM to double the number of insured participants for 2024. Responding to the request, Fadnavis instructed the department to take the necessary Jadav, chief regional manager at Oriental Insurance—the company responsible for the coverage—confirmed that over one lakh govindas from 1,200 mandals across Maharashtra had already been insured this year.'A major contributor to this figure was the Maharashtra Rajya Dahi Handi Govinda Association through whom the state govt insured more than 75,000 govindas in Maharashtra,' he state had previously classified Dahi Handi as an adventure sport, resulting in increased participation. However, the Dahi Handi Samanvay Samiti has also expressed concerns over the higher risk of injury for govindas due to the growing competitiveness of the event.[With TOI inputs]
News18
3 days ago
- Sport
- News18
Ahead Of Dahi Handi Festival, Maharashtra Extends Insurance Cover To 1.5 Lakh 'Govindas'
The move comes after the Dahi Handi Coordination Committee, led by Minister Ashish Shelar met the Chief Minister to press for enhanced safety measures for Govindas. In a major relief for thousands of 'Govindas' who risk injuries while forming human pyramids during the Dahi Handi festival, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed the state's Sports Department to expand insurance cover to 1.5 lakh participants. The move comes after the Dahi Handi Coordination Committee, led by Minister Ashish Shelar met the Chief Minister to press for enhanced safety measures for Govindas. The delegation highlighted the growing popularity of Dahi Handi ever since the Maharashtra government granted it the status of an adventure sport. While the sport's recognition has boosted participation, it has also increased the risk of injuries during the formation of tall human pyramids. Over the past two years, the state government has provided insurance cover to about 75,000 Govindas. However, given the surge in the number of groups and young participants, the committee urged the Chief Minister to double the coverage to 1.5 lakh Govindas this year to ensure adequate safety and financial protection in case of accidents. Chief Minister Fadnavis responded positively to the demand and instructed the Sports Department to take prompt action to extend the insurance cover. Speaking with the media, Minister Ashish Shelar thanked the Chief Minister for his proactive approach and assured Govinda groups that their safety remains a top priority for the government. 'Dahi Handi is an integral part of Maharashtra's cultural fabric. Thousands of youngsters come together each year with great enthusiasm to celebrate Lord Krishna's birth. But their safety must be paramount. We thank Chief Minister Fadnavis for understanding this and taking swift steps to safeguard our Govindas," said Shelar. The delegation that met the Chief Minister included Maharashtra State Dahi Handi Govinda Association President Shri Krishna Padelkar, Geeta Jhagde, and other senior office bearers. Dahi Handi is celebrated across Maharashtra on Gokulashtami or Janamashtami and is known for its spectacular human pyramids, where teams of Govindas climb atop each other to break an earthen pot hung high above the ground. With the enhanced insurance coverage, the government hopes to encourage more groups to celebrate the festival while ensuring that young Govindas and their families have some financial protection against unforeseen accidents. view comments First Published: July 18, 2025, 12:55 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Maharashtra govt doubles insurance cover for 1.5 lakh govindas at Dahi Handi
MUMBAI: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday instructed the sports department of the state government to provide insurance cover to 1.5 lakh govindas participating in Dahi Handi this year. The Janmashtami festival falls on 16 August. For the past two years, the state government has been insuring 75,000 govindas annually. On Thursday, a delegation from the Dahi Handi Samanvay Samiti, accompanied by culture minister Ashish Shelar, met the Chief Minister and requested that the number be doubled to cover 1.5 lakh participants this year. Fadnavis directed the sports department to take appropriate action. Meanwhile, Dinesh Jadav, chief regional manager of Oriental Insurance, which has been entrusted with the task, said they had already insured over one lakh govindas from 1,200 mandals across Maharashtra in 2024. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai 'A major contributor to this figure was the Maharashtra Rajya Dahi Handi Govinda Association through whom the state govt insured more than 75,000 govindas in Maharashtra,' he said. The state government has accorded Dahi Handi the status of an adventure sport, leading to a rise in participation. However, the Dahi Handi Samanvay Samiti claims that this has also increased the risk of injury to govindas.
Indian Express
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
3,367 loudspeakers removed from religious places across Maharashtra: CM Devendra Fadnavis
Maharashtra Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis Friday informed the state Legislative Assembly that 3,367 loudspeakers have been removed from religious places across the state as part of a statewide initiative to curb noise pollution. He added that police officers would be held directly responsible if any of the loudspeakers removed were reinstalled without permission. 'In Mumbai alone, 1,608 loudspeakers have been taken down. There are currently no unauthorised loudspeakers at any religious site in the city. I really congratulate Mumbai police for it. The operation was conducted peacefully without causing religious or communal tension. Now there is no question of illegal loudspeakers,' Fadnavis said. The issue was raised during a discussion in the Assembly by BJP MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar, who flagged the widespread public inconvenience caused by loudspeaker use. He also suggested that 50 per cent of the fine collected from violators should be awarded to the complainant. Responding to this, Fadnavis said, 'The government accepts this suggestion in principle and will consider its implementation.' The chief minister reiterated that all religious institutions across Maharashtra would be required to follow the rules regarding loudspeaker use. 'If anyone attempts to reinstall a loudspeaker without legal permission, the in-charge of the respective police station will be held accountable,' he warned. BJP MLA Devyani Pharande called for a year-round ban on loudspeakers at high volumes. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA Jitendra Awhad, meanwhile, raised the issue of noise pollution in the Yeoor forest region, stating that illegal loudspeakers had contributed to the disappearance of local wildlife. 'Earlier, leopards could be seen along the roads. Now, even cats are missing,' he said. In response, Fadnavis assured that both the Forest Department and the police have been directed to ensure strict enforcement of silent zones in forest areas. He also announced that flying squads would be set up under all police commissioners to monitor violations and take immediate action. In a rare move, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Yuva Sena president Aaditya Thackeray praised Fadnavis for his handling of the loudspeaker issue, stating that the drive was conducted after discussions with all stakeholders. 'I sincerely congratulate the chief minister. He has taken everyone into confidence and ensured that all unauthorised loudspeakers have been removed. There is no doubt about his efforts, and I appreciate it wholeheartedly,' Thackeray said during the Assembly session. However, with the upcoming festive season—including Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, and Dahi Handi—he raised concerns over the treatment of local festival organisers. He pointed out that despite having valid permissions, many mandals are often harassed by local police stations. 'With festivals approaching, processions will take place. If mandals have all the required permissions and are still troubled by police, will action be taken against those officers?' Aaditya Thackeray asked, addressing the chief minister.
