In Maharashtra, the 10-day-long Ganesh Utsav begins today. Akashvani Pune correspondent reports that the Ganeshotsav is starting today with the tunes of Shehnai, Band and Dhol-Tasha. This year, with the good monsoon, water storage and sowing of crops have also broken records, which has boosted the enthusiasm of the people. Public Ganesh Mandals have maintained the tradition of presenting different scenes of Ganesh in their pandals.

The administration has given strict orders to these Mandals regarding limiting environmental and noise pollution. The local administration has made arrangements to ensure that the immersion of the idols is also done in an environmentally friendly manner. People from the country and abroad come to participate in Pune’s Ganeshotsav. According to tradition, five main Ganeshas from Pune will be installed first.

This festival, a hallmark of Maharashtra’s cultural heritage, is celebrated annually with a range of cultural programs, including performances, competitions, and live setups known as Dekhava. These Dekhava often focus on social issues. The long processions, accompanied by Dhol-Tasha Pathaks, involve months of preparation to give a fitting welcome to Ganpati Bappa. Many people across the state are travelling to their hometowns in the Konkan area, aided by special trains.

This year, numerous initiatives have been undertaken to promote an eco-friendly Ganesh Utsav, including the use of clay idols instead of those made from plaster of Paris. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has extended his wishes to the citizens of Maharashtra on the eve of Ganesh Chaturthi and expressed hope that Lord Ganpati’s arrival will bring happiness, health, and prosperity to all.