Maharashtra govt to distribute 1.57 cr 'Anandacha Shidha' food kits for Ganesh festival, says Chhagan Bhujbal

Chhagan Bhujbal. File Pic/Facebook

At least 1.57 crore 'Anandacha Shidha' food kits will be distributed to beneficiaries across Maharashtra on the occasion of Ganesh festival, state Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal said on Friday, according to the PTI.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Anandacha Shidha distribution programme in Nashik, the minister said around 7.5 crore beneficiaries in the state will receive the food kits containing one kg each of suji, chana dal, and sugar and one litre of cooking oil, as per the PTI.

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"As many as 1.57 crore 'Anandacha Shidha' packets will be distributed and around 7.5 crore people in the state will benefit from it. In Nashik district, around 7.78 lakh beneficiaries will be given these packets. The kits will be distributed as per the ration card electronic point of sale (EPOS) system for Rs 100 per packet," Chhagan Bhujbal said.

The kits will be distributed to yellow and orange ration cardholders through 140 ration shops in his assembly constituency Yeola, he said.

In Yeola taluka, 9,586 beneficiaries under the Antyodaya scheme and 28,414 under the Pradhanya scheme will benefit from these packets, Bhujbal said.

The minister gave instructions to the concerned officials to ensure that no beneficiary is deprived of the scheme.

Five hundred new ration cards were also distributed during the programme.

Chhagan Bhujbal also announced that 12 lakh houses will be built for people belonging to the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the state and the Union and state governments have sanctioned Rs 12,000 crore funds for the same.

Ganesh Utsav will begin September 19 and Ganesh Visarjan will be observed on the 10th day on September 28. The Ganesh Utsav is celebrated for 10 days,Ganpati Visarjan during Ganesh Chaturthi marks the final ritual, involving the immersion of the Ganesha idol into water bodies.

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is a joyous Hindu festival that honors Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity of wisdom and prosperity. This auspicious occasion is marked by the installation (Sthapana) of Ganesha idols in homes and public spaces, followed by vibrant processions and lively celebrations. As people eagerly await the arrival of Ganpati Bappa, here are the details on dates and times for the Vinayaka Chaturthi celebrations in 2023.

(with PTI inputs)