Ganesh Chaturthi
Welcoming Ganesha, remover of obstacles and god of beginnings.
Significance
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and lord of new beginnings. Clay idols are installed in homes and public pandals, worshipped for several days, and then ceremonially immersed in water (visarjan). Maharashtra hosts some of the largest public celebrations.
How temples may observe it
Ganesha temples perform special abhishekam and modak offerings, and often extend darshan hours across the festival days leading up to visarjan. Local access arrangements vary; confirm them directly with the temple before visiting.
Frequently asked
Why is Ganesha worshipped first?
Lord Ganesha is invoked before beginnings and other deities as the remover of obstacles (Vighnaharta), so his worship traditionally precedes new ventures and rituals.
What is visarjan?
Visarjan is the ceremonial immersion of the Ganesha idol in water at the end of the festival, symbolising the cycle of creation and dissolution.