India, Aug. 21 -- The government of Maharashtra has declared the Ganesh festival as a state festival and efforts should be collectively made to take it to the global stage, cultural affairs minister advocate Ashish Shelar said. He was speaking at a review meeting held at the district collector's office to discuss preparations for this year's Ganesh festival.

Shelar further said, "This year's Ganesh festival will highlight important themes such as episodes from the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Operation Sindoor, promotion of Swadeshi (indigenous) products, awareness about Maharashtra's 12 forts listed as UNESCO world heritage sites, and environmental protection. Ganesh mandals (festival committees) will be encouraged to create awa...