MUMBAI, September 18: Ganeshotsav celebrations are continuing across Maharashtra, with devotional programmes, Gauri festivities and preparations for upcoming immersion processions drawing large crowds in cities including Mumbai and Pune. School schedules have also been adjusted in several areas, although September 18 is not a uniform statewide public holiday for all educational institutions.
Ganeshotsav Celebrations Continue Across Maharashtra
Ganesh Chaturthi was observed across Maharashtra on September 14, beginning several days of religious and cultural celebrations centred on Lord Ganesha. The Maharashtra government’s official 2026 public-holiday notification lists September 14 as the state holiday for Ganesh Chaturthi.
Homes, housing societies and public mandals are continuing daily aartis, cultural programmes and community events as the festival progresses.
Large numbers of devotees are expected to visit prominent Ganesh mandals during the remaining festival period.
Gauri Pujan Adds to Festive Activity
September 18 also coincides with Gauri Pujan celebrations observed by many families in Maharashtra during the Ganesh festival period.
The occasion is traditionally marked by special pujas, family gatherings and offerings, adding to festive activity in several parts of the state.
Some schools have included Gauri Pujan or an extended Ganeshotsav break in their institutional calendars.
School Holiday Status Varies by Institution
Students and parents in Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Nashik and Nagpur have been checking whether schools are operating normally on September 18.
Reports indicate that some institutions have scheduled an extended Ganeshotsav break covering parts of September 14 to September 20, while others are operating according to their own academic calendars.
The Maharashtra government’s statewide public-holiday list does not separately declare September 18 as a general public holiday, meaning closures should not be assumed for every school or office.
Parents and students have therefore been advised to rely on notices issued by their respective schools.
Some Pune Schools Observe Gauri Pujan Holiday
Individual school calendars illustrate the variation.
For example, a Pune school calendar lists September 18 as a holiday for Gauri Pujan, while Ganesh Chaturthi was separately observed on September 14.
Other institutions, including some centrally administered schools, have different schedules. Reports from Mumbai said certain Kendriya Vidyalayas began examinations on September 18, despite the ongoing Ganeshotsav period.
This means holiday arrangements can differ significantly even within the same city.
Pune Extends Metro Services Amid Festive Rush
Authorities in Pune have introduced special transport arrangements to manage the increase in visitors during Ganeshotsav.
Pune Metro services have been extended until 2 AM, while traffic restrictions have been introduced on busy routes to handle the festive rush.
Traffic police have also announced evening no-parking restrictions on six major roads from September 18 to 25 as large numbers of devotees travel to Ganesh mandals across the city.
Authorities Prepare for Larger Crowds
Police, municipal bodies and transport authorities are expected to increase crowd-management arrangements as the festival advances and more immersion processions take place.
Ganeshotsav is among Maharashtra’s largest public festivals, bringing together religious ceremonies, community gatherings, music, cultural performances and public processions.
Authorities have urged devotees to follow traffic restrictions and local safety instructions, while students and parents should check school-specific notifications for any further timetable or holiday changes.
source – Maharashtra Government / Times of India / Maharashtra Times
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