Indian Railways to Operate 392 Special Trains for Ganesh Chaturthi

Indian Railways announced 392 special train journeys to help passengers and reduce travel congestion during Ganesh Chaturthi, between August 21 and September 10. The announcement, made through the Railways' official X account, read: "For passengers' convenience during Ganesh Chaturthi, Indian Railways has declared 392 train journeys."

This year Ganesh Chaturthi starts on August 27 and ends on Anantha Chaturdashi. Also referred to as Vinayak Chaturthi or Vinayak Chavithi, Vinayaka Chathurthi is celebrated as Lord Ganesha being the remover of obstacles and the deity of new beginnings. People all over India and abroad celebrate his intelligence with decorated houses and pandals, prayers, music, and colorful processions.

The Maharashtra state government in July announced public Ganeshotsav as the "Maharashtra State Festival". Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar pointed out in the Legislative Assembly that the tradition had been initiated in 1893 by Lokmanya Tilak. Shelar further stated that the festival reflects social, national, freedom, self-respect, and linguistic pride, a spirit that still continues.

The Minister further added that, in spite of court challenges to public festivities, the Mahayuti administration, headed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Dada Pawar, took immediate action to ensure that the festival goes on without any hindrances, maintaining its cultural essence and international recognition.