This is a 10 day, Hindu festival that marks the birth of the elephant-headed lord. People install handcrafted clay idols of Lord Ganesha in their homes. Decorating the enclosures with lights and flowers to place the clay idols. Massive idols are placed in temporary booths that are set up along the streets for common public. People visit these booths to worship the idol. Also, offering a wholesome meal to the poor for all 10 days as a blessing from the lord.

Performing morning and evening prayers and making offerings to the idol is a ritual. These offerings are in the form of sweets or fruits which are later distributed among those present for the puja (prayer). Idol immersion takes places at the end of day 1.5, 5, 7 and 10. A large procession takes the idol to the nearest sea or river for immersion. The procession is a site worth witnessing. Large groups of people accompany the idol while dancing to holy chants or music that idolizes the lord. This ceremony of the immersion is referred to as visarjan. 

Present-day celebrations

A sight worth witnessing – The grandeur of the idol and the makeshift booth is something you should not miss. Another unmissable experience is on the day of visarjan when the idol immersion takes place. 

Best places to witness these celebrations – Maharashtra (Mumbai & Pune), Hyderabad and Chennai.

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayak Chaturthi or Ganeshotsav, is a Hindu festival that tributes Hindu deity Ganesha. The festival is marked with the installation of Ganesha’s clay murtis privately in homes and publicly on elaborate pandals. 

Looking to plan your trip around this festival before heading South of Maharashtra to explore Southern India, refer to this route suggestion. The ideal travel route inspiration for those looking to explore South India and experience the vibrant, cultural, festivals in India.