Ganesh Chaturthi celebration has become a culture of Maharashtrian society, with people from different religions taking part in the celebration with full joy and enthusiasm.
MUMBAI: Ganesh Chaturthi which is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Chauth, is celebrated to enjoy new beginnings and the removal of obstacles.
This auspicious festival is observed in the month of Bhadra, according to the Hindu calendar. This year it will be celebrated on September 13.
The 10-day long festival to honour Lord Ganesha’s birthday is particularly celebrated widely in the state of Maharashtra. In the festival celebration, people bring home idols of Lord Ganesha.
On the first day of the festival, clay idols of Lord Ganesh, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, will be placed at homes or in public pandals where special prayers and pujas are conducted.
This festival is celebrated with much fervour and joy in India and outside the country.The chants ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya’ is heard from almost every nook and corner of the city during the Ganesh festival.
Ganesha is the younger son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.Ganesha idols are installed in homes, or publicly in elaborate temporary pandals.
Shoppers in large numbers were seen thronging markets and shopping malls to buy festival needs and resultantly there is a good demand for flowers, sweets and ethnic wear.
Ganesh Chaturthi was started by freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak in an attempt to bring the people together and instill a sense of unity even as the British wanted to divide the nation.
The Ganesh Galli pandal is well known for its unique themes which are often a replica of popular temples of India. Bollywood has many songs to celebrate this occasion too.
