Ganesh Chaturthi
Also known as: Vinayaka Chaturthi, Vinayak Chavithi
Ganpati Bappa Morya
Significance
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings. He is worshipped as the remover of obstacles and is invoked before starting any new venture or journey.
Rituals & Observances
- Installation of Ganesha idols at homes and pandals
- Pranapratishtha (invoking life into idol)
- Shodashopachara (16 forms of tribute)
- Offering modak and durva grass
- Aarti and bhajans
- Visarjan (immersion) on final day
Traditions & Customs
- Creating elaborate pandals with themes
- Community celebrations for 10 days
- Eco-friendly clay idols
- Cultural performances
- Processions during visarjan