Ganesh Chaturthi Customs

Ganesh Chaturthi, birthday of Lord Ganesha, is one of the popular Hindu festivals and falls on 4th of the fortnight of Bhadrapada. This festival is observed throughout India, especially in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. Elephantheaded Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is the god of wisdom, knowledge and prosperity. Ganesh Chaturthi being the most important of all Maharashtrian festivals is celebrated with splendour and zeal. The festival is celebrated from 510 days depending upon the family customs. All these days, puja and aarti are performed, and the devotees are offered modak (a sweet) in the form of prasad (holy offering). Many cultural activities are held during these days of festivities that add on to the enthusiasm of people. On the tenth and last day, people submerge the idols of the Lord in water, with a request to return sooner next year and a faith that he will take their every distress with him while going.