Overview

• The state legislature has formally designated Ganeshotsav as Maharashtra’s official festival and revoked prior curbs on Plaster of Paris idols
• Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar reaffirmed the decision at a felicitation in Tambadshet, the region renowned for its Ganesh idol makers
• The government pledged dedicated funding for security, crowd control and logistical support to ensure smooth celebrations
• Shelar alleged that urban Naxal elements backed by Congress, the NCP and Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena orchestrated a campaign against Hindu festival customs
• Representatives of local sculptors’ associations welcomed the move as vital for protecting artisans’ livelihoods and preserving cultural heritage