India, Aug. 27 -- While the city is all set to welcome its beloved deity, Ganpati Bappa, with the Ganesh festival kickstarting on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, the Maharashtra government according it 'state festival' status bears the promise of even grander and more elaborate celebrations across Pune and the rest of the state.

In Pune, also known as the cultural capital of Maharashtra, preparations are in full swing. Ganesh mandals across the city are busy finalising their decorations, tableaux and social awareness themes even as the government has urged them to showcase the success of 'Operation Sindoor' carried out earlier this year by the Indian armed forces. The Shrimant Dagadusheth Halwai Ganpati is expected to draw lakhs of devotees ...