With Ganeshotsav approaching, Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has urged dhol-tasha performers to pay close attention to their diet and food safety during the festive season.
Speaking at a pre-Ganeshotsav programme in Pune, Mundhe advised members of dhol-tasha groups to stay away from fried food and energy drinks, particularly during long performances. He encouraged performers to carry meals prepared at home and purchase food only from licensed sellers.
“Performers in music troupes often consume fried food as well as energy drinks. Avoid this and eat a nutritious diet. If possible, carry home-cooked food. Purchase food items only from licensed vendors,” Mundhe said.
The FDA chief also asked dhol-tasha groups to use their performances to promote awareness about safe food and medicines. He suggested that this year’s festival message should focus on “Safe Food, Safe Medicine, Safe Maharashtra.”
“Every year during Ganeshotsav, dhol-tasha troupes give a message to society. This year, convey the message ‘Safe Food, Safe Medicine, Safe Maharashtra’,” he said.
Mundhe Warns Ganesh Mandals Over Prasad Safety
Mundhe also turned the spotlight on food served as prasad at Ganeshotsav mandals. He said popular sweets such as pedhas and ladoos are widely distributed during the festival, making food safety an important concern.
“During Ganeshotsav, sweets like pedhas and ladoos are distributed as prasad. However, whether this prasad is safe or not is a question that needs to be asked. Providing safe food to citizens is my priority, and there should be no compromise in it,” he said.
He urged Ganesh mandals to cooperate with the FDA and arrange inspections of food items being prepared or distributed during the celebrations.
“Ganeshotsav cannot be an exception to this. Therefore, Ganeshotsav mandals should take special care regarding food safety. They should get inspections done by the Food and Drug Administration. It is our responsibility to send every devotee visiting Ganeshotsav mandals back home safely,” Mundhe said.
‘Safe Maharashtra’ Message Ahead Of Ganeshotsav
Mundhe said a strong Maharashtra cannot be built without ensuring the safety of its citizens.
“If we want to build a capable Maharashtra, it will not happen unless it becomes safe,” he said.
The programme was organised at NMV High School on Shrimant Thorle Bajirao Peshwa Road by Abhedya Dhol Tasha Pathak, Kalavant Dhol Tasha Pathak, Dhol Tasha Mahasangh Maharashtra and NMV High School.
Several members of the dhol-tasha community and local representatives attended the event, where performers also presented a special musical tribute.
Mundhe Praises Discipline Of Dhol-Tasha Groups
Highlighting the role of young people in society, Mundhe said India’s progress requires more than economic development. He stressed the importance of physical fitness, social responsibility and ideological strength.
“To make India a superpower, economic strength alone is not enough. It is essential to build not just physical strength, but also ideological resilience. Everyone must play their role to build an economically, socially and ideologically capable India,” he said.
He also praised the discipline demonstrated by dhol-tasha performers and their contribution beyond cultural celebrations.
“Discipline is the best weapon to achieve success, and this quality is remarkably present in the music troupes. The future of any country depends on its youth and their thoughts, and the fact that these music troupes have performed selfless social service is commendable,” Mundhe said.
