Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Maharashtra CM Orders Food Safety Measures for Ganeshotsav 2026
Maharashtra is preparing for the Ganeshotsav festival in 2026.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told festival groups to make sure the prasad they give people is clean and safe to eat.
He asked them to learn and follow food-safety rules.
Officials were also told to process permissions for the groups more quickly.
Roads used to bring and immerse the idols should have no potholes and should be well lit at night.
Police will watch for rule-breaking involving loudspeakers and firecrackers.
Groups carrying large idols must check their safety plans again.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde asked officials and volunteers to work together and report suspicious activity or rumours.
Devendra Fadnavis directed Ganesh mandals to serve pure, hygienic and non-adulterated prasad.
Mandals were asked to follow Food and Drug Administration rules and undergo food-safety guidance and training.
Officials were told to expedite permissions and ensure pothole-free, well-lit idol arrival and immersion routes.
Police were instructed to monitor firecracker and loudspeaker violations and enforce regulations.
Eknath Shinde urged coordination, vigilance against social-media rumours and safety planning for processions and immersions.
- Who
- Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, government departments, police, municipal authorities and Ganesh mandals.
- What
- Authorities issued directions on food safety, permissions, roads, procession safety, noise and firecracker rules, and coordination for Ganeshotsav 2026.
- When
- Ahead of Ganeshotsav 2026; the directions were issued at a meeting held before the festival.
- Where
- Maharashtra, including Mumbai and routes used for Ganesh idol arrivals and immersions.
- Why
- To maintain food hygiene, public safety, discipline and smooth festival arrangements.
- Festival
- Ganeshotsav 2026
- Food safety
- Ganesh mandals must ensure prasad is pure, hygienic and free from adulteration.
- Training
- Mandals were asked to familiarise themselves with Food and Drug Administration rules and undertake guidance and training.
- Roads
- Arrival and immersion routes should be pothole-free and adequately illuminated at night.
- Permissions
- Officials were directed to resolve permission issues promptly; five-year permissions were also being pursued.
- Mumbai roadwork
- Eknath Shinde said about 1,850 kilometres of roads in Mumbai had been concretised.
- Enforcement
- Police were told to monitor violations involving firecrackers and loudspeakers.