The over-a-century-old 'Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav' was on Thursday officially declared as the 'State Festival of Maharashtra', with the government asserting that it was committed to preserving and promoting the cultural legacy of the festival, reported PTI.

Making the announcement in the legislative assembly, Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar said, "Ganeshotsav is not just a celebration. It is a symbol of Maharashtra's cultural pride and identity," reported PTI.

The minister said in a statement that Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav (public celebration of Ganesh festival) in Maharashtra was started by Lokmanya (Bal Gangadhar) Tilak in 1893. "The very essence of this festival is rooted in social unity, nationalism, the spirit of freedom, self-respect, and pride in our language," he said, reported PTI.