Ganpati 2025: Mumbai Pandals to Go With ‘Operation Sindoor’ Theme? Here’s Why

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis asked Ganesh Mandals across the state to keep “Operation Sindoor” as the theme for this year’s festival on Wednesday, August 13. He said the country had shown its strength to the world through this operation and asked the mandals to spread awareness about it. 

Fadnavis made the appeal during a high-level meeting at the Sahyadri Guest House on Malabar Hill. The meeting was held to review security and preparations for Ganesh Chaturthi, which begins on August 27. It was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, senior police officers, BMC officials, and members of festival committees.

The CM suggested that the pandals include tableaux dedicated to soldiers. He also asked to promote the use of Swadeshi goods.

आजच्या दिवसाचा सारांश । बुधवार, 13 ऑगस्ट 2025

सार्वजनिक गणेशोत्सव मंडळांनी 'ऑपरेशन सिंदूर' आणि 'स्वदेशी' विषयी जनजागृती करावी - मुख्यमंत्री देवेंद्र फडणवीस
गणेशोत्सव निमित्त कायदा व सुव्यवस्था बैठकhttps://t.co/wcxZ6j7Oc7

विकसित भारताचे स्वप्न, विकसित महाराष्ट्राची साथ गेल्या…

— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) August 13, 2025

His appeal comes while the opposition has been accusing the central government of using “Operation Sindoor” for political gain. They have accused it of hiding details about the operation. 

The CM has asked organisers to follow police orders and rules. He urged the mandals to work with the government to celebrate the festival with unity and enthusiasm. He directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to give idol sculptors a five-year licence. The licence will be renewed each year through the one-window system.

He also told the BMC to set up more boats along the coast for immersing tall idols in deep water. The number of artificial lakes for immersion will also be increased. The CM said Ganesh Chaturthi is a state event, and preparations are being made on a large scale. All concessions given to mandals last year will continue this year.

He reminded organisers to follow the law during celebrations. Since Eid-e-Milad will also be held around the same time, he stressed the need for communal harmony to avoid law-and-order issues. 

Fadnavis asked Ganesh Mandals to give the BMC a written statement that their offices are not used for business. Once this is done, their offices will be exempt from property tax.