The Maharashtra State Best Public Ganeshotsav Mandal competition is back after a three-year gap. Organized by the PL Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy, Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra, the competition aims to encourage and recognize Ganesh mandals for their contributions to cultural preservation, social initiatives, and eco-friendly practices during Ganeshotsav celebrations.
Registered Ganesh Mandals can participate in the competition free of cost by submitting their completed application form to the e-mail id mahotsav.plda@gmail.com by August 31, 2024. The competition will evaluate mandals based on various criteria, including cultural programmes, cultural competitions, preservation and conservation of forts, public awareness about national and state monuments, religious places, social activities, environment-friendly idols, and noise pollution-free environment.
A district-level committee, established by the district collector, will visit the festival venues of the participating mandals during Ganeshotsav, beginning on September 7. The committee will gather videographs and documents from the mandals, provide feedback, and assign grades. Based on their evaluation, the committee will recommend the best public Ganeshotsav mandal from each district in Vidarbha and submit the names, along with all collected documents and videos, to the state-level selection committee led by the director of PL Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy.
The top three winners of the state-level competition will receive cash prizes of ₹5 lakh, ₹2.5 lakh, and ₹1 lakh, respectively, along with certificates. Additionally, the first-place winners at the district level will be awarded ₹25,000 and a certificate. The district administration has encouraged mandals to participate in large numbers and highlight their efforts in promoting a socially responsible and environmentally conscious Ganeshotsav celebration.