📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / LakshG
Religion
Maharashtra Declares Winners of 2026 Best Public Ganeshotsav Mandal Competition
✍️ Mid-Day
🗓 17 Oct 2026, 05:35 AM
👁 15
The Maharashtra government has released the list of winners for the 2026 Best Public Ganeshotsav Mandal Competition, recognizing mandals that organized notable public celebrations.
Mumbai, Maharashtra – The state cultural department announced the winners of the 2026 Best Public Ganeshotsav Mandal Competition on Monday, unveiling a shortlist of mandals that received top marks for their public Ganesh Chaturthi festivities.
The competition, now in its tenth edition, evaluates participating mandals on criteria such as crowd management, cultural programming, environmental compliance and community participation. Organisers submit detailed reports and photographs, which are examined by a panel of experts appointed by the state.
Winning mandals will receive a trophy, a cash prize and official recognition that can boost sponsorship and volunteer support for future celebrations. The announcement is expected to inspire other local groups to raise the standard of public Ganeshotsav events across the state.
State officials said the competition underscores Maharashtra’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage while promoting responsible celebration practices, especially in the wake of increasing environmental concerns surrounding idol immersion.
The list of winners will be displayed on the department’s website and at major cultural venues ahead of the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi season, encouraging wider public participation.
The competition, now in its tenth edition, evaluates participating mandals on criteria such as crowd management, cultural programming, environmental compliance and community participation. Organisers submit detailed reports and photographs, which are examined by a panel of experts appointed by the state.
Winning mandals will receive a trophy, a cash prize and official recognition that can boost sponsorship and volunteer support for future celebrations. The announcement is expected to inspire other local groups to raise the standard of public Ganeshotsav events across the state.
State officials said the competition underscores Maharashtra’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage while promoting responsible celebration practices, especially in the wake of increasing environmental concerns surrounding idol immersion.
The list of winners will be displayed on the department’s website and at major cultural venues ahead of the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi season, encouraging wider public participation.