The Maharashtra government has approved a ₹4.5 crore Maharashtra bhajan mandal grant to support 1,800 traditional devotional music groups across the state. Each bhajan mandal will soon receive ₹25,000, with the disbursal expected within the next month, according to officials from the Cultural Affairs Department.
Funds Cleared for Musical Instruments
The sanctioned funds may be used to purchase traditional instruments such as the harmonium, mridang, veena, pakhawaj and other essential accessories. The government stated that the initiative aims to strengthen local cultural traditions and encourage community-level devotional performances.
The Director of Cultural Affairs has been instructed to release the funds without delay. A utilisation certificate and a detailed compliance report must be submitted to the state government within one month of distributing the financial aid.
Although the Model Code of Conduct is currently in effect due to municipal council and nagar panchayat elections, the department has been asked to ensure that the disbursal process does not violate any election-related guidelines.
Eligibility Conditions for Bhajan Mandals
To qualify for the state grant, each bhajan mandal must have at least 20 active members. Additionally, the group must have performed a minimum of 50 cultural or devotional programmes. Those meeting these norms can avail the ₹25,000 grant twice, allowing multiple groups to continue preserving Maharashtra’s rich folk and devotional heritage.
Officials noted that the initiative is part of the government’s broader push to support grassroots cultural institutions and sustain local art forms. The scheme is also expected to encourage youth participation in traditional bhajan performances across Maharashtra.
