Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated to mark the birth of Lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. It's a 10-day festival that's celebrated with great enthusiasm across India. 

Why is it celebrated?

To bring people together and promote harmony 

To symbolize the divine presence of Lord Ganesha on Earth 

To believe that Lord Ganesha visits earth during these 10 days to bless His devotees 

To worship him before embarking on a new endeavor, intellectual journey, or business enterprise 

How is it celebrated?

By setting up Ganesha deities, generally made of clay and decorated with flowers and lights, in private homes and/or temporary public stages called pandals 

By offering formal prayers to Ganesha 

By distributing prasad, or food blessed by the deity, throughout the community 

By immersing the idol in water, symbolizing Lord Ganesha's return to Mount Kailash 

Other names

Ganesh Chaturthi is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Utsav.