Ahead of the Ganeshotsav 2026 celebrations, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has appealed to all public Ganesh Mandals across the state to maintain the highest standards of food safety while distributing prasad to devotees. Stressing that faith must be accompanied by responsibility, the Chief Minister directed organisers to strictly comply with the regulations laid down by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure that devotees receive pure, hygienic, and adulteration-free prasad.
Chairing a high-level review meeting on law and order arrangements for Ganeshotsav at Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai, the Chief Minister said Ganesh Mandals should familiarise themselves with FDA guidelines and undergo necessary training to meet the prescribed food safety standards.
Preserving the Sanctity of Maharashtra’s State Festival
Describing Ganeshotsav as Maharashtra’s State Festival, Fadnavis praised the remarkable contribution of Mumbai’s Ganesh Mandals in transforming the festival into one of India’s largest cultural and spiritual celebrations. He recalled that Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak envisioned Ganeshotsav as a platform for social awakening, unity, and public participation, and urged organisers to continue promoting these values.
“The responsibility of preserving the sanctity, discipline, and cultural heritage of Ganeshotsav lies not only with the administration but also with every citizen, Ganesh Mandal, and social organisation,” the Chief Minister said.
Better Coordination Between Administration and Ganesh Mandals
Fadnavis called upon government departments, civic bodies, police authorities, and Ganesh Mandals to work in close coordination to ensure a smooth and well-organised festival. He instructed officials to immediately resolve organisational issues and remove administrative bottlenecks faced by Mandals.
He also directed authorities to ensure that permissions for Ganesh Mandals are processed without unnecessary delays, especially for long-established Mandals whose approvals have become routine over the years.
Roads, Lighting, and Public Safety
The Chief Minister instructed civic authorities across Maharashtra, particularly in Mumbai and Pune, to ensure that roads used for idol processions and immersion are free from potholes and adequately illuminated, enabling safe movement of devotees throughout the festival.
He further emphasised that Ganesh Mandals must conduct a fresh review of all safety arrangements, particularly those installing large idols, and assured that the State Government would extend every possible assistance to ensure public safety.
Property Tax Relief for Eligible Trusts
Fadnavis informed the gathering that under Section 143 of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Act, offices owned by registered trusts are eligible for property tax exemption, provided the concerned Ganesh Mandals submit the required documents. He noted that the Municipal Commissioner has already approved the implementation of this provision.
Strict Action Against Rule Violations
The Chief Minister instructed the police to take strict action against violations involving fireworks, loudspeakers, and other prohibited activities. Maintaining discipline and preserving the spiritual atmosphere of Ganeshotsav, he said, is a shared responsibility of citizens, organisers, and enforcement agencies alike.
Environmental Compliance During Idol Immersion
Referring to the Bombay High Court’s earlier directions on Ganesh idol immersion, Fadnavis stated that the government has informed the Court about the mechanisms put in place to ensure that Plaster of Paris (POP) idols do not directly pollute rivers or the sea. Appropriate scientific procedures, he said, are being followed to minimise environmental damage while respecting religious traditions.
Faith with Responsibility
The Chief Minister’s message highlights the State Government’s effort to strike a balance between religious devotion, public safety, environmental protection, and food safety. As millions of devotees prepare to celebrate Ganeshotsav across Maharashtra, the government has made it clear that ensuring hygienic prasad, efficient administration, and disciplined celebrations will be central to this year’s festival.
