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.