Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Utsav, is one of the most cherished Hindu festivals celebrated with immense fervor and devotion. This auspicious occasion marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the revered deity believed to be the remover of obstacles.
The festivities span ten days and fall during the Shukla Paksha of the Bhadrapada month, typically in August or September. In 2023, Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated with grandeur from September 19th to September 28th.
The heart of the celebration lies in the creation of clay idols of Lord Ganesha, lovingly placed in homes and elaborately adorned pandals. Devotees engage in daily prayers, fasting, and the preparation of delectable prasad, including the beloved modaka, considered Lord Ganesha’s favorite sweet.
As the festival reaches its culmination on the tenth day, a grand procession carries the idol through the streets, culminating in its immersion in nearby water bodies. Ganesh Chaturthi unites people from various regions, especially in Maharashtra and neighboring states like Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Goa, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, in a shared celebration of faith and devotion.
