Ganesh Chaturthi is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in India. It marks the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha who is revered as the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and prosperity, and was celebrated on 19^th of September onwards.

The festival begins with the installation of beautifully crafted clay idols of Lord Ganesha in homes and public places. The idols are worshipped for a period ranging from one to eleven days, during which devotees offer prayers, perform rituals, and sing hymns in praise of Lord Ganesha. On the final day, known as Ananta Chaturdashi, the idols are immersed in water bodies amidst grand processions accompanied by music and dance.

Ganesh Chaturthi holds immense importance for Hindus as it symbolizes new beginnings and the eradication of obstacles from their lives. It is believed that worshipping Lord Ganesha during this festival brings good fortune, success, and prosperity. People also seek his blessings before starting any new venture or undertaking.

Lord Ganesh is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi and he is the brother of Karthikeya. He was created by his mother using earth which she moulded into the shape of a boy. As Shiva was away on his meditative wanderings, Parvathi set her new son as guard while she bathed. So, when Ganesh denied Lord Shiva entry into his abode–because Goddess Parvathi was bathing inside–Shiva decapitated Ganesh’s head in anger. According to legend, an elephant was the first animal that Lord Brahma later found when he went out to look for one to replace Ganesh head. He further bestowed him with divinity and stated that all pujas will begin with the invocation of lord Ganesh’s name.

“वक्रतुण्डमहाकायसूर्यकोटिसमप्रभ।निर्विघ्नंकुरुमेदेवसर्वकार्येषुसर्वदा॥“

Which means -O God with the twisted trunk, broad-bodied, brilliant as thousand suns, bless me with freedom from obstructions and hindrances in all my works… There are 108 different names of Lord Ganesh – Lord Ganesh was known with 108 different names. According to Shiv Maha-Puran, Lord Ganesh had two wives Ridhi and Sidhi and had two sons Subh and Labh.

Ganesh’s favourite food is the Modak and Boondi laddu.

This festival is celebrated in the month of August-September every year. The festival celebrates Ganesh as the God of new beginning and the remover of obstacles as well as the god of wisdom and intelligence and observed throughout India, especially in the states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka Kerala, Telangana Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Goa.

Moreover, Ganesh Chaturthi promotes unity among communities as people come together to celebrate this joyous occasion. The festival transcends caste, creed, and social barriers as people from all walks of life participate in its festivities.

In conclusion, Ganesh Chaturthi is a cherished Hindu festival that not only celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha but also signifies hope, positivity, and unity among people. Its significance lies in its ability to inspire individuals to overcome obstacles on their path towards success.

It believed that when the idol of lord Ganesh is taken out for immersion, it also takes away with it the various obstacles of the house and these obstacles are destroyed along with the Visarjan. I would like to conclude that please use the Eco –friendly Ganesh in your festivals so that we can contribute in making a balanced eco-system for mother earth.