This is a Hindu festival celebrated on the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god. Also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, Ganesh Chaturthi is observed in the Hindu calendar month of Bhadrapada, starting on the shukla chaturthi. The festival is marked by prayers and immersion of the idol of Ganesha in river or ponds. Ganesh is also called Vigneswara, as he is believed to remove all obstacles in life.

It is one of the biggest events of western India, especially the state of Maharashtra, lasting for 10 days. Life-size clay models of Lord Ganesha are made 2-3 months prior to the day of Ganesh Chaturthi. On the 11th day, the image is taken through in a procession accompanied by dancing, singing, to be immersed in a river or the sea. The Lord is seen off for his abode in Kailash.

According to Swami Sivananda, after taking a bath, devotees go to the temple and say the prayers of Lord Ganesha, offer him coconut and sweet pudding. He is believed to remove all the obstacles. Don’t forget not to look at the moon on that day.