Pune, 18th May 2026: Maharashtra Government has granted Grade A tourism status to iconic Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple. The move expected to significantly boost pilgrimage and tourism development in the area.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the decision through social media platform X. He stated that the recognition would help strengthen the temple’s identity as an important pilgrimage and tourism destination while accelerating development works in the surrounding area.
The temple is one of Maharashtra’s most visited religious sites and attracts lakhs of devotees every year, especially during Ganeshotsav.
In Maharashtra, Grade A tourism status is given to major religious and tourist destinations with high cultural and spiritual significance. The classification allows the state government to provide focused funding for infrastructure upgrades, beautification projects, crowd management, security systems, and tourist amenities.
The recognition is also expected to help authorities improve roads, parking facilities, public services, and other essential infrastructure for devotees and visitors.
The decision comes after continuous follow-up efforts by temple trustees and Kasba MLA Hemant Rasane. Their long-standing demand for granting the temple a higher tourism classification was finally approved by the state government.
The announcement has created excitement among devotees and local residents, who believe the move will further strengthen Pune’s cultural and spiritual importance.
Officials believe the new status will increase tourist footfall throughout the year and create fresh opportunities for the local economy. The temple is now expected to receive better access to funds under various state and central government tourism schemes.
The development is also likely to place the Dagdusheth Ganpati Temple among Maharashtra’s leading pilgrimage tourism destinations with improved facilities and modern visitor infrastructure.