Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The festival dates back to ancient times but became a significant public event during the reign of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Its significance grew further when Lokmanya Tilak transformed it into a unifying social and political festival during the Indian freedom struggle.

Celebration and Rituals

The festival, lasting ten days, begins with the installation of beautifully crafted clay idols of Lord Ganesha in homes and public spaces known as pandals. Devotees perform prayers, chant mantras, and offer various sweets, especially modak, believed to be Lord Ganesha’s favourite. The morning and evening aartis (devotional songs) are a key part of the celebration, accompanied by drums and traditional instruments.

Immersion Ceremony

On the final day, called Anant Chaturdashi, a grand procession takes place, where Ganesha idols are taken to rivers, lakes, or seas for immersion, known as Visarjan. The act of immersion symbolizes the cycle of birth and death, as well as Ganesha’s departure to his heavenly abode, promising to return next year.