Mumbai, September 24, 2026: In a significant initiative to preserve and promote Maharashtra’s rich folk art, cultural traditions and Ganeshotsav heritage, Culture Minister Ashish Shelar unveiled a special postage stamp based on the theme ‘Lok Kathao Mein Shri Ganesh’.
The special postage stamp was unveiled during a programme organised at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Natya Mandir in Dadar. Maharashtra Circle Chief Postmaster General Ramchandra Kisan Jaibaye, Director of the Directorate of Cultural Affairs Prashant Khedekar, Ganesh devotees and citizens were present on the occasion.
Minister Ashish Shelar appealed to citizens to make extensive use of the special postage stamp and participate in the preservation and promotion of Maharashtra’s folk art, cultural traditions and the heritage of Ganeshotsav.
He said that, as per the directions of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the Maharashtra government is making efforts to get Ganeshotsav included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Various cultural programmes are being organised across the state after Ganeshotsav was accorded the status of a state festival.
Maharashtra Circle Chief Postmaster General Ramchandra Kisan Jaibaye said that the Department of Posts preserves and promotes the country’s art, culture, traditions and history through postage stamps. The customised postage stamp based on ‘Lok Kathao Mein Shri Ganesh’ is an initiative to preserve Maharashtra’s cultural heritage as a lasting souvenir.
He said the initiative would also help generate interest among the younger generation in postage stamps and philately.
Director of the Directorate of Cultural Affairs Prashant Khedekar said that work is underway to collect the necessary information for seeking inclusion of Ganeshotsav in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
