Nashik rural sees 757 villages adopt 'one village, one Ganpati' again
A rural police awareness drive has led 757 of Nashik district's 1,935 villages to celebrate Ganeshotsav under a single shared Ganpati idol this year
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While hundreds of Ganesh mandals in the city are gearing up to celebrate Ganeshotsav with fanfare, Nashik's rural areas are setting a different kind of example by celebrating the festival in its original form. Aimed at strengthening social harmony and brotherhood in the district, a rural police awareness campaign has led to the 'one village, one Ganpati' concept being implemented this year in 757 of the district's roughly 1,935 villages, nearly half the total.
While rural areas are seeing the 'one village, one Ganpati' model, preparations for the festival are in their final stages in larger villages and taluka headquarters. More than 2,000 public Ganesh mandals within the limits of the district's 40 police stations have applied for permission.
The 'one village, one Ganpati' concept has been successfully run in the district for the past five to six years. It has helped end big and small disputes, rivalries and factionalism between villages, with people of all religions and all sections coming together to celebrate Ganeshotsav. In 2017, 1,026 villages in the district took part in the initiative. There was some change in the numbers after the coronavirus period, but the tradition was still maintained in 734 villages in 2023 and 804 villages in 2025. This year, in 2026, 757 villages have registered their participation in the initiative. Superintendent of Police Dr D S Swami, Additional Superintendent of Police Vimla M and Suraj Gunjal have given special impetus to the campaign by holding direct meetings in villages.
To ensure Ganeshotsav concludes without any disruption, rural police have made elaborate arrangements. Peace committee meetings have been held within the limits of all 40 police stations. Additional police force has been deployed in sensitive areas such as Malegaon, Manmad, Yeola town and Satana. A bomb disposal squad, an anti-terrorism squad and a Quick Response Team have also been kept on alert. Good morning squads, patrol teams and beat marshals will keep watch on every movement, and every development will be logged at the police control room every two hours during the immersion procession. With this planned police arrangement, Ganeshotsav is once again set to become a symbol of harmony and enthusiasm in the district's rural areas.
