Maharashtra to promote Ganesha festival to foreigners

To make the Ganesha festival an international event, the Maharashtra government has made special arrangements for foreign tourists this year.

At Mumbai's Girgaum Chowpatty, a pavilion, with the capacity of more than 300, has been set up for the tourists to observe and participate in the spirit and cultural fervour of Maharashtra during the Ganesha festival.

The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has allied with the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) to promote the festival.

Looking at an overwhelming response last year, MTDC and MCGM this year have upgraded the amenities which include online registration, clean drinking water, mobile toilets, bus transport and refreshments.

Tourists can study and participate in various aspects of Indian culture and rituals. They also get to experience the 126-year-old heritage of the Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav.

“It is a pleasure to showcase the best of Maharashtra’s rich culture and tradition. The distinct pavilion has been set up for overseas travellers to perceive our beloved deity Ganesha. The pavilion will include amenities like clean drinking water, mobile toilets, bus transport along with refreshment. Tourists can see the Ganapati idols from all over the city at Girgaum Chowpatty which will certainly showcase the transformation in the celebrations over the years, ” Jaykumar Rawal, tourism minister, said.

“The objective is to position this festival on the global map, so we are inviting international tourists to participate through MCGM registration facilities for the Ganesh festival. We have made a separate pandal for the International tourists at Girgaum Chowpatty. The tourists can catch a glimpse of the Ganpati idols from across the city. I am certain that the festival will attract a large number of International visitors in the state of Maharashtra,” Vijay Kumar Gautam, principal secretary (tourism), said.

“Ganeshotsav is a festival that has always brought individuals from different cultures and communities together. Tourists from diverse countries come to experience the Ganesh Darshan Tour of MTDC every year. We are happy to associate with MCGM to accommodate International tourists and give them an experience of one of the most popular festivals in the state, ” Suhas Diwase, MTDC Managing Director said.