Time of the year : August / September-Date Varies Year to Year
Places to visit : All over India
Duration : One - Ten days, varies regionally

Ganesh Chaturthi is the celebration of the birth of Lord Ganesha. Ganesh is one of the most loved and worshipped gods in Hindu mythology. Worship of Ganesh is performed at the beginning of all undertakings, marriages, expeditions, studies, etc. The festival of Ganesh's birthday is both religious and joyful.

CELEBRATIONS

Main celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi happens in the state of Maharashtra; however, notable celebrations also occur in Bombay and Pune.  Festivals are  given during this time and during the festivity, beautifully sculpted Ganesh idols are installed in vibrantly decorated tents, depicting religious themes or current events. There are huge public displays of Ganesh idols with Aarti (song of devotion to God) and loud music and dancing by the devotees. The large idols are paraded through the streets and are accompanied by people dancing and singing in the streets. A large amount of sweets are eaten during this time and some regions believe a different sweet should be eaten each day of the festivities.

RITUALS

 To prepare for Ganesh Chaturthi, a large number of images are made of all possible sizes. Larger sizes go to community celebrations while smaller sizes are bought by families to keep in their houses as divine guests. There are two types of  rituals performed for this holiday: community and private.

Ganesha Chaturthi is often a community affair, and money must be raised to cover the expenses of making the idol, the priest's payment and the items that make up the daily prayer offerings. During the days or weeks proceeding this holiday, it is not uncommon to see people gathering money door-to-door. After the idol is created or bought, the community gathers around the place it will be installed and chant prayers. After that, prayer or arti is done twice a day. 

Ganesh Chaturthi can also be done at home, either with a hired priest or simply with the household family members. First, the area where the idol is to be placed is cleaned well. Many families produce Rangolis, vibrant designs made of colored chalk or wood shavings. on the floor. Usually a  garland of red flowers will be placed around the neck of the Ganesh idol. The head of the family will perform the prayer, followed by the other members of the family. 

The festivities come to an end within 10 days, when both the community idols and the idols from people’s homes are taken to the sea or nearest river or lake and immersed. Household idols can be immersed after one and a half, seven or ten days after installation. The idol should not be kept after this day, as it is considered inauspicious.

LEGENDS

The Goddess Parvati (consort of Lord Shiva) did not like to be taken by surprise while bathing. Lord Shiva, often surprised her during this time and she decided to have someone stand guard and warn her if anyone was coming. Parvati created their son, Ganesh and placed him at the entrance of her bath.  She told Him not to allow anyone to enter while she was bathing. Lord Shiva was returning home  and was stopped by Ganesha at the gate, whom he did not know to be his son. Shiva became angry and cut off Ganesha's head.

When Parvati  came to know of this she was devastated with grief. To console her grief Shiva ordered his servants to cut off and bring to him the head of any creature that might be sleeping with its head facing north. The servants went on their mission and found only an elephant in that position. The sacrifice was thus made and the elephant's head was brought before Shiva. The Lord then joined the elephant's head onto the body of Ganesh.

Lord Shiva then made his son worthy of worship at the beginning of all undertakings.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

For many hundreds if not thousands of years, the worship of Ganesh has been done at the beginning of anything that the person, family or community wish to succeed. Due of this, Ganesh is probably the most worshipped among most communities. It is very common to find his image on wedding invitations and holiday cards.