Nagpur, 11 July (HS):

The Sarvajanik Ganshotsav, a landmark in Maharashtra’s culture, has been declared

as the State Fesitval of Maharashtra. The announcement was made in the

Legislative Assembly by Minister of Cultural Affairs Ashish Shelar on Thursday.

Started by Lokamanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak in 1893, celebrating the Ganesh Festival publicly aimed

to bring people together in the name of religion and inspire them to

participate in the national movement for freedom.

Shelar said that Ganeshotsav

is more than a religious festival. It is embodied in Maharashtra’s culture and

collective identity of the nation. The essence of this festival lies in its

message of social harmony, national pride, freedom, and self-respect.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Ajay Vasant Mardikar