Devotion offered at the feet of Ganpati Bappa, selfless service and the glory of Maharashtra's culture have resonated not just within the state but across the seas. The results of the Maharashtra State Best Public Ganeshotsav Mandal Contest 2026, held under the 'Mahaganeshotsav: Maharashtra's State Festival' initiative, have been declared. Hong Kong has won at the international level, Uttarakhand at the national level and the Sangli mandal at the state level, taking first place. As many as 354 Ganeshotsav mandals took part in the contest and added to the festival's vibrancy.
This year's contest also honoured the artisans whose touch gives divinity to clay. The state government has instituted the prestigious 'Welling-Khatu Ganesh Murti Award' this year for the first time. It has gone to senior idol maker Rajan Vishnu Patkar, who keeps alive the traditional craft of idol-making.
Who won at the global, national and state levels? Mandals that keep a strong bond with Marathi soil and tradition even while living abroad were the main attraction of the contest.
International level (Bappa's fame across the seas):
First place: Maharashtra Mandal, Hong Kong Second place: Edogawa India Culture Centre, Japan Third place: Hessen Indian Ladies Association and Pioneer Indians e.V.
National level (festival echoes across the country):
First place: Maharashtra Samaj Seva Samiti, Uttarakhand Second place: Shri Ram Yuvak Mandal, Karnataka Third place: Ganaraya Ganesh Utsav, Gujarat
State level (pride of Maharashtra):
First place: Morya Ganesh Mandal, Sangli Second place: Chhatrapati Sarvajanik Ganesh Mandal (Deepaknagar), Nanded Third place: Swarajya Ganesh Mandal, Devnandra
Winners at all three levels will receive cash prizes and mementos: Rs 7.5 lakh for first place, Rs 5 lakh for second and Rs 2.5 lakh for third. The contest's enthusiasm was not limited to big cities. It reached district and taluka levels too, and winners there have been announced separately.
Idol maker Rajan Patkar honoured for giving divinity to clay Generations of idol-making heritage and the hands that breathe life into idols... this austere devotion has finally received the state government's proud salute. Rajan Vishnu Patkar is the first recipient of the Welling-Khatu Ganesh Murti Award, introduced this year. The award comes with a shawl, a memento and Rs 2.5 lakh in cash.
Rajan Patkar's name is held in high regard in the history of Mumbai's Ganeshotsav. The artistry behind the captivating idol of Girgaoncha Raja, the pride of Mumbai, is his. He is also the chief idol maker for the massive and beautiful Ganesh idol of the famous GSB Seva Mandal in Wadala, and he has carried out this service with devotion for more than 35 years.
What sets his art apart is that, along with tradition, he has also taught the protection of nature. His lightweight paper-mache Ganesh idols, which dissolve easily in water and promote eco-friendly celebrations, are in demand from Mumbai to London.
A confluence of culture and devotion Cultural Affairs Minister Adv Ashish Shelar praised the winners and all participating mandals, expressing his delight at this grand festival.