Nagpur, Oct 2026 : The Maskarya Ganeshotsav holds a special place in Nagpur’s rich religious and cultural traditions and has become one of the city’s distinctive cultural identities, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Sunday.
Fadnavis made the remarks while offering prayers at the historic ‘Maskarya Ganpati’ at Senior Bhosla Palace in Mahal, organised by the Shri Maharaja of Nagpur Trust.
“Among the many distinctive features of Nagpur, the Maskarya Ganeshotsav is an important one. This historic and unique tradition has been respectfully preserved by the Bhosale family for hundreds of years. It is not merely a religious festival but has become a distinctive and glorious cultural identity of Nagpur city,” Fadnavis said.
Fadnavis was welcomed at Senior Bhosla Palace, where he offered darshan of Lord Ganesha. He was also felicitated on behalf of the Bhosale family.
Shreemant Raje Raghuji Maharaj Bhosale (V), Raje Mudhoji Bhosale and Raje Jaysingh Bhosale were among those present on the occasion.
Speaking at the event, Fadnavis recalled the illustrious history of the Bhosale family of Nagpur and its significant contribution to the expansion of Hindavi Swarajya towards the eastern parts of the country.
He said it was commendable that the historical customs and traditions associated with the Bhosale family continue to be celebrated with enthusiasm under the leadership of Raje Mudhoji Bhosale.
Fadnavis said the Maskarya Ganeshotsav occupies a unique position in Nagpur’s religious and cultural heritage. The Maskarya Ganpati is also known as ‘Hadpakya Ganpati’.
Unlike the city’s regular public Ganesh festivals, the Maskarya Ganeshotsav is celebrated during Pitru Paksha, after the conclusion of the public Ganeshotsav held during the month of Bhadrapada.
This distinctive timing is one of the features that sets the festival apart from other Ganesh celebrations in Nagpur.
The Chief Minister said the continued preservation of such traditions was important for maintaining the city’s historical and cultural character. He also appreciated the Bhosale family for keeping the centuries-old tradition alive and ensuring that it continues to be observed with devotion and enthusiasm.
The Maskarya Ganeshotsav, therefore, remains an important part of Nagpur’s cultural landscape, reflecting the city’s long-standing association with the Bhosale dynasty and its religious traditions.
