The public celebration of the Ganesh festival, started by social reformer Lokmanya Tilak during British rule, was intended to promote togetherness. However, over time, Ganesh mandals have grown into a venue for aspiring politicians to master key leadership skills like as financial management and agency coordination, according to Naresh Dahibavkar, president of the Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti (BSGSS).

Ganeshotsav 2024, which will begin on September 7, is celebrated throughout Maharashtra, with many famous political personalities starting out as volunteers, or karyakartas, in local mandals, Dahibavkar said and added that leaders such as NCP`s Chhagan Bhujbal and Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol are noteworthy for having previously worked with Ganesh mandals in Mumbai and Pune before entering politics.