16 September,2026 04:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The initiative aimed to showcase Maharashtra’s rich cultural heritage and its popular Ganesh festival celebrations to international visitors. Pic/Special Arrangement
Foreign diplomats of several countries visited famous Ganesh mandals in Mumbai during Ganeshotsav 2026 and sought the blessings of Lord Ganesha, an official statement said on Wednesday.
Diplomats from Finland, France, Thailand, Norway, China, Belgium, Sweden and Egypt took part in the visit. They were introduced to the history and traditions of Ganeshotsav in Maharashtra, as well as the celebrations organised by some of Mumbai's well-known public Ganesh mandals, it said.
The initiative aimed to showcase Maharashtra's rich cultural heritage and its popular Ganesh festival celebrations to international visitors.
Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai said Ganeshotsav was not only a religious festival but also a symbol of Maharashtra's cultural heritage, social unity and public participation.
He said the festival provides an opportunity to showcase Maharashtra's art, traditions, history, lifestyle and hospitality to people across the world.
The Tourism Department is also undertaking various initiatives to provide international tourists with an opportunity to experience Maharashtra's cultural tourism, he said.
The foreign guests were traditionally welcomed at Khalsa College in Matunga with pheta turbans and bouquets.
The delegation later visited some of Mumbai's historic and popular Ganesh mandals. These included GSB Ganpati in Matunga, GSB Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav in Wadala, âMumbai Cha Raja' at Ganesh Galli and the Keshavji Naik Chawl Ganeshotsav in Girgaon.
The visitors were given information about Ganeshotsav, which is celebrated over 10 days in Maharashtra, and its links with the state's culture, history, folk traditions and social unity, officials said.
The delegation included representatives from Finland, France, Thailand, Norway, Belgium, Sweden, China and Egypt.
From Finland, Deputy Consul General Jonna Suni participated. France was represented by Consul Patrick Leverino and Samantha Nouvel.
Thailand was represented by Consul Siriporn Supanimetvisetkul, Consul Thitiporn Chuchinnawat, Nakrisorn Klaikao and Vice Consul Arunluk Imsub.
Norway was represented by Consul Monica Ommundsen Nagelgaard and Jenny Brandal, while Belgium was represented by Consul Pierre Steverlinck.
Representatives from Sweden, China and Egypt also attended the programme. The Chinese delegation included Consul Ji Xuechui, Consul Wang Jinsheng, Deputy Consul Ma Zhouchen, Zhu Yuchian, Lin and Wu, along with other consulate officials and family members. Egypt was represented by Consul General Dina Al Ahe.
Minister of State Indranil Naik conveyed his best wishes for the initiative taken during one of Maharashtra's biggest festivals, officials said.
Tourism Department Additional Chief Secretary Sanjay Khindare and Mumbai City District Collector Anchal Goyal thanked the foreign dignitaries for participating in the programme.
Managing Director of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation Nilesh Gatne, Mumbai City Additional District Collector Bappasaheb Thorat, General Manager Chandrashekhar Jaiswal and Manager Mansi Kothare were also present, they said.
