What is the International Ganesh Festival being hosted by Maharashtra?

Tomorrow is Ganesh Chaturthi. The 10-day mega festival will see pandals display huge idols ordered from workshops and families bring their household idols home. Meanwhile, Maharashtra is slated to host the first-ever International Ganesh Festival (IGF). But what do we know about the IGF?  Let’s take a closer look: The festival has been organised by the state’s Department of Tourism. It will be held from 19 to 28 September. According to Outlook Traveller, the festival is aimed at highlighting Maharashtra’s heritage through Ganesh Chaturthi.

It will be held in Mumbai, Pune, Ratnagiri, and Palghar.

As per KnockSense.com, the festival will see over 500 tourists taken on a curated tour across these four cities. As per The Print, of these visitors 120 are tourists. Around 160 are expatriates. Fifty are from the travel and trade sector, while around 100 are influencers. In Mumbai, visitors will be taken to the famed Ganesh Galli and Siddhivinayak Temple. [caption id=“attachment_13139252” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] Siddhivinayak temple in Mumbai. AFP[/caption] Visitors can also experience GSB Wadala before ending the trip at Girgaon Chowpatty, as per Outlook Traveller. As per KnockSense.com, in Pune, visitors will be shown Shaniwar Vada. They will also be taken to Tulsi Bagh Ganesh Pandal, as per Outlook Traveller. In Ratnagiri and Palghar, a slew of cultural workshops will be held, as per KnockSense.com. As per Outlook Traveller, visitors in Palghar can check out Warli Art, as well as the Kelva Fort and Shirgaom Fort. In Ratnagiri, meanwhile, Ganpatipule Temple, Ratnadurg Fort, and Thiba Rajwada will be on the itinerary. As per Deccan Herald, each place has been chosen for its unique flavour – which adds to the state’s cultural tapestry. These places capture the state’s essence – from its metropolitan charm to its deep-rooted traditions. As per Outlook Traveller, a cultural hub focussing on Lord Ganesha will also be set up at the Gateway of India.

This will have sand art, mosaic art and scroll art.

Projection mapping will also occur on the Gateway of India, cultural performances and a number of workshops to celebrate Maharashtra’s arts and crafts will be held. As per Deccan Herald, the state government has committed to sustainable practices and community engagement for the hub. This has been done to make sure it not only celebrates, but also respects and conserves the traditions it stands for. Mosaic artist Chetan Raut told the newspaper, “I will be creating a 12x10 feet mosaic artwork at the Gateway of India and the entire installation will be created out of discarded plastic bottles as the primary medium. I am trying to convey the message about the importance of recycling and responsible consumption. Each piece of plastic in the mosaic represents an opportunity for change, urging viewers to reconsider their plastic usage habits.” Artist Vaibhav Katwate added, “During the International Ganesh Festival, I will be creating sand art spectacle of Lord Ganesha. It will be a step-by-step creation of sand art. Visitors to the Gateway of India will have the opportunity to witness the transformation of simple grains of sand into a work of art.”  ‘Clarion call’ State government officials said they want to showcase Maharashtra and India on the global stage. Girish Mahajan, Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, told Deccan Herald, “The International Ganesh Festival isn’t just about pomp and grandeur. It’s about the soul of Maharashtra, the heartbeat of its people, and the spirit of a nation aiming for self-reliance. We are on the cusp of presenting to the world an unparalleled tapestry of culture, art, and resilience. Through this festival, we hope to magnify our state’s and our country’s unique treasures on a global stage.” Radhika Rastogi, principal secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, added, “This festival is our clarion call to the world, signalling them to join us at the intersection of ancient traditions and modern celebrations. Through the International Ganesh Festival, we aim to extend an invitation to global travellers, enthusiasts, and connoisseurs of culture to immerse themselves in Maharashtra’s vast and profound legacy.” Speaking to The Print, Dr BN Patil, director, tourism, Maharashtra, said: “We’re utilising the International Ganesh Festival as a central attraction, intending to capture global attention. Through a structured approach, we hope to amplify tourism and deepen the appreciation for our traditions among both local and international visitors.” “Our vision is to expand the scale of the festival, incorporating more interactive events, workshops, and performances that showcase the diversity of Maharashtra. We also aim to strengthen our collaborations with global partners, ensuring that the International Ganesh Festival becomes a sought-after annual event on the global cultural calendar,” he added. “The International Ganesh Festival 2023 is a grand celebration of Maharashtra’s illustrious heritage and the unity of cultures. Organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, the festival aims to promote tourism within the state and showcase the rich history and traditions of Maharashtra to a global audience,” Patil earlier told Deccan Herald. With inputs from agencies