The final day of Maharashtra’s 10‑day Ganesh festival ended amid a stark contrast to the usual jubilant celebrations, as the state government declared drought in 265 of its 358 talukas, including large parts of Marathwada and Vidarbha. The declaration came after the festival’s conclusion on Friday, with the government announcing the drought status on Saturday.
In Kalamb, Dharashiv district, officials had to improvise to accommodate idol immersion. The Manjara river and nearby water bodies were dry due to a severe monsoon deficit, forcing authorities to fill temporary ponds with water from tankers. For idols taller than four feet, processions were rerouted to a stone quarry that still held residual water. A Kalamb resident, Balaji Adsul, expressed concern about the lack of water for future immersions.
The crisis is widespread. India Meteorological Department data show 20 of 36 districts in Maharashtra have recorded deficient rainfall. Reservoir levels reflect the shortage, with Marathwada dams at 46% capacity compared to 81% a year earlier, and Amravati division dams at 64% versus 85% last year. Divisional Commissioner G. Sreekanth urged Ganesh mandals to avoid traditional water immersions, suggesting donations or symbolic rituals instead. The appeal met limited support, as seen in Latur’s Renapur taluka where a mandal’s large idol was taken to the tehsil office to find water.
Beyond the festival, farmers across the state are seeking relief as crops fail and cultural practices suffer. Sominath Gholwe, a farmer and researcher from Beed, described how families now rely on water tankers even for funeral rites such as dashkriya vidhi. He noted that 85% of crops had failed, creating a dire humanitarian situation. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, during a tour of the drought‑hit Marathwada region, highlighted measures such as loan waivers, electricity bill relief, and upcoming cash compensation, while pledging water, food grains, and continued education for affected families.
