BERLIN, GERMANY — 14 February 2026 — In a landmark development for Indian cultural diplomacy in Europe, Ganeshotsav Berlin — the continent's first and largest ten-day public Ganesh Chaturthi celebration — is set to be officially recognised as a "Maharashtra Rajya Puraskrut Mahotsav" (Maharashtra State-Honoured Festival) under the Government of Maharashtra's prestigious Rajya Mahotsav programme.
The Executive Committee of Ganeshotsav Berlin has formally submitted a Consent Letter (Sahamati Patra) to Hon'ble Shri Ashish Shelar, Minister for Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra, initiating the official process for this historic recognition. The announcement is expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
In a message of encouragement, Hon'ble Shri Ashish Shelar extended his blessings and support for the initiative, acknowledging the festival's remarkable contribution to promoting Maharashtra's cultural heritage on the international stage.
A Historic First for Indian Festivals in Europe
If confirmed, Ganeshotsav Berlin will become one of the first Indian cultural festivals outside of India to receive this distinction — a testament to the festival's growing stature as a global platform for Maharashtrian heritage and Indo-European cultural exchange.
The Sahamati Patra was formally signed on 14 February 2026 in Berlin by the following representatives:
📝 Official Signatories of the Sahamati Patra
| Signatory | Organisation |
|---|---|
| Shri Manohar (Rohit) Prabhu | Marathi Mitra Berlin e.V. |
| Shri Shrikant Shete | Shri Kasba Ganpati Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, Pune |
| Shri Vishwanath Krishnamurti | Shri Ganesha Hindu Temple e.V., Berlin |
| Shri Anand Deshpande | Ramanbaug Yuva Manch Germany e.V. |
Dated: 14 February 2026 · Place: Berlin, Germany
Rooted in Sacred Tradition
Ganeshotsav Berlin draws its spiritual foundation from its deep and enduring connection with Shri Kasba Ganpati, Pune — the revered Gram Daivat (village deity) of Pune and the celebrated Manacha Pahila Ganpati, the first Ganpati of honour in Pune's iconic procession. Each year, a sacred replica of Shri Kasba Ganpati is ceremonially brought from Pune to Berlin, bridging continents through centuries-old devotion and tradition.
Jointly Organised by Four Distinguished Bodies
Ganeshotsav Berlin is a collaborative effort of four organisations united by a shared mission to preserve and promote Maharashtra's cultural identity:
Marathi Mitra Berlin e.V. (MMB) — A registered non-profit in Berlin dedicated to promoting the Marathi language and Maharashtrian culture, with over 7,000 social media followers. Website: www.marathimitraberlin.de · Instagram: @marathi.berlin
Ramanbaug Yuva Manch Germany e.V. — The German chapter of the legendary Ramanbaug Yuva Manch from Pune, carrying forward 40+ years of Dhol-Tasha heritage with 150+ percussion members performing across Europe. Instagram: @ramanbaugyuvamanch
Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple Berlin e.V. — The biggest Ganesha temple under construction in Europe, soon to be inaugurated, and the spiritual home of the festival, located at Hasenheide 106, 10967 Berlin.
Shri Kasba Ganpati Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, Pune — Started in 1893, keeping the legacy as custodians of Pune's most venerated Ganpati tradition and the Manacha Pahila Ganpati (the First Ganpati of Honour in Pune's iconic procession).
What This Recognition Means
The contributions highlighted in the Sahamati Patra include:
- Global projection of Maharashtra's cultural identity on the European stage
- Preservation of traditional performing arts — Dhol-Tasha, Lezim, Indian classical and folk dances, bhajans, and Vedic rituals
- Fostering Indo-German cultural dialogue and integration through shared celebration
- Youth engagement and heritage transmission to the next generation of the diaspora
- Upholding Maharashtra's socio-cultural heritage with dignity, authenticity, and pride
Voices from the Organisers
"Ganeshotsav Berlin is not just a festival — it is a cultural bridge that connects Maharashtra's soul to the heart of Europe. Official recognition as a Maharashtra Rajya Puraskrut Mahotsav would be a tremendous honour for our entire community and a powerful affirmation that our heritage resonates beyond borders."
— Manohar (Rohit) Prabhu, Marathi Mitra Berlin e.V. & Anand Deshpande, Ramanbaug Yuva Manch Germany e.V.
Ganeshotsav Berlin 2026 — Festival at a Glance
| Pre-Festival Workshops | 12–13 September 2026 (Sat–Sun) |
| Ganesh Chaturthi (Festival Begins) | 14 September 2026 (Monday) |
| Daily Pooja, Aarti & Cultural Programmes | 14–25 September 2026 |
| Anant Chaturdashi (Festival Concludes) | 25 September 2026 (Thursday) |
| Grand Visarjan Miravnuk Procession | 26 September 2026 (Saturday) |
| Venue | Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple, Hasenheide 106, 10967 Berlin |
Cultural Programme Highlights
- Ganesha Pratishthapana — Sacred installation with Pran Pratishthapana, Vedic prayers, music, and Aarti
- Dhol-Tasha Performances — Electrifying Maharashtrian percussion by Ramanbaug Yuva Manch's 150+ member troupe
- Lezim Group Dance — Traditional Maharashtrian folk dance by Marathi Mitra Berlin
- Classical & Devotional Arts — Indian classical and folk dances, devotional bhajans, and cultural performances
- Children's Heritage Programmes — Atharvashirsha recitation, Sanskrit Stotra, drawing contests, and workshops
- Maharashtrian Cuisine — Authentic modak and traditional Indian delicacies
- Grand Visarjan Miravnuk — A spectacular farewell procession through the streets of Berlin
About Ganeshotsav Berlin
Ganeshotsav Berlin is Europe's first and largest ten-day public Ganesh Chaturthi celebration, held annually at the Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple in Berlin. What began as a community gathering has grown into a landmark cultural event, attracting thousands of visitors and serving as a vital platform for Indo-German cultural exchange, interfaith dialogue, and community cohesion.
The festival's guiding philosophy — "Celebrating Cultures. Building Bridges. Creating Shared Values." — reflects its commitment to preserving sacred traditions while fostering unity in one of Europe's most diverse cities.
Media Contact
Ganeshotsav Berlin Executive Committee Email: pr@ganeshotsavberlin.com Website: www.ganeshotsavberlin.com
Social Media: Instagram: @ganeshotsavberlin · @marathi.berlin · @ramanbaugyuvamanch
Note to Editors: High-resolution images, video footage from previous editions, and interview opportunities with festival organisers are available upon request. Press credentials for the 2026 edition can be arranged by contacting the media team at pr@ganeshotsavberlin.com.