Ganesh Chaturthi

What

Clay idols of Ganesha are installed in homes and public pandals for a period ranging from a day and a half to eleven days, worshipped daily, and then immersed in water in a large public procession known as visarjan.

Why

The festival celebrates Ganesha's birth and his role as the deity invoked at the start of any new undertaking — a fitting figure for a festival that, in many regions, has also grown into a large community event bringing neighborhoods together around shared preparation and celebration.

Preparation

• Choose an eco-friendly clay idol if setting one up at home
• Prepare modak, Ganesha's favorite sweet, to offer
• Decorate the altar space with flowers and leaves
• Plan for a respectful immersion at the end of the observance

Mantra

Om Gam Ganapataye Namah — salutations to Ganapati, remover of obstacles.