Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chavithi is a 10-day grand celebration that is ushered in with a lot of zeal and fervour. While it’s a special and significant festival for the Hindu community, it’s celebrated with equal enthusiasm by other communities as well and sees celebrations all around the country. The day is celebrated to honour the birth of Lord Ganesha, who is one of the most adored of all Gods.
A broken tusk and a rounded body carrying the wisdom of the universe. A tray of sweets by his side. A tiny mouse on the other. A lotus in one hand. A crown on his head. The second arm raised with an axe. A third lifting in benediction and blessing. This is the mighty Ganesha. A god revered by millions around the world. The remover of obstacles. The patron of art and science. The God of wisdom. The son of Devo ke Dev Mahadev and Maa Parvati. It is his birth; Hindu’s celebrate with great fervour and devotion every year.
Yes, it’s the time for the annual Ganesh Chaturthi festival, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi. In honour of this massive festival in India, we’ve put together a piece on how India celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi. This revered deity is as complex as the people who worship him. His appeal is diverse and multi-fold and appeals to different parts of the country in different ways. Even his birth has many legends attached to it – oddly fitting for Ganesha – wise like the elephant, devoted as a son and protector of his devotees.