Veteran actor Vidyadhar Joshi says sponsorship, politicians' funding have ruined Ganeshotsav

Veteran Marathi cinema actor Vidyadhar Joshi has spoken frankly about the changing nature of Ganeshotsav. He said that ever since sponsorship entered festivals, Ganeshotsav has been ruined.

The changing face of Ganeshotsav has been under discussion for some years. Many people have expressed displeasure over the very large idols of public Ganesh mandals, elaborate decorations, noise pollution and the growing emphasis on event-style spectacle. During this year's festival, incidents of Ganesh idols falling were also reported from some places. This has once again raised questions about the changing ways of the public Ganeshotsav.

Many people are also pained that rising noise pollution and event-style celebrations are diminishing the sanctity of festivals. Several artists from the arts world have spoken on the issue before. Now Joshi, a veteran of Marathi cinema, has also given a blunt opinion.

In a recent interview to 'Aarpar', Joshi spoke about the changes in Ganeshotsav. He voiced concern and sharply criticised some things. Joshi said, "To be honest, ever since sponsorship began in festivals, and especially since politicians began giving sponsorship, Ganeshotsav has been ruined."

Recalling the Ganeshotsav of his childhood, he described how funds were raised earlier. According to Joshi, "When we were small, we went door to door collecting contributions of two rupees, five rupees, eleven rupees or twenty-five rupees. After the festival ended, we would go back to those we had collected from and give them a proper printed account."

Joshi said the character of the festival changed considerably after commercial sponsorship arrived. He also expressed displeasure over sponsorship from politicians.

He said, "Whether the Ganpati was in a chawl or on a ground now matters less than sponsorship from various companies and, the worst part, from politicians. Once this sponsorship from politicians began, Ganeshotsav was ruined." With these words, Joshi expressed his anger and displeasure.

Joshi's blunt remarks on the changing nature of Ganeshotsav are being widely discussed these days.