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Festival Profile

Ganesh Chaturthi

Birth of Lord Ganesha, celebrated with clay idols, prayers and immersion.

All festivals

Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and god of wisdom and new beginnings. It is marked by installing and worshipping his idol.

Stories behind the festival

The origin is rooted in the Shiva Purana account of Ganesha's creation. Its public celebration in modern form is associated with the Indian independence movement, popularised in Maharashtra.

According to the Shiva Purana, Goddess Parvati created Ganesha from sandalwood paste to guard her. When Shiva returned and the child stopped him, Shiva severed the head. To console Parvati, Shiva restored life by replacing the head with that of an elephant and made Ganesha his son.
Shiva Purana; regional tradition

Why we celebrate

Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and god of wisdom and new beginnings. It is marked by installing and worshipping his idol.
Shiva Purana; regional tradition

When

It falls on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada (August–September), celebrated over 10 days in many regions.

Who celebrates / for whom

Celebrated across India and by Hindus worldwide, most grandly in Maharashtra, where large public idols are installed and immersed.

Origin

The origin is rooted in the Shiva Purana account of Ganesha's creation. Its public celebration in modern form is associated with the Indian independence movement, popularised in Maharashtra.
Shiva Purana; regional tradition

Key deities

Lord Ganesha.

How to celebrate

Install a Ganesha idol, perform pranapratishtha, offer modak, flowers and durva grass, chant Ganesh mantras, and on the final day immerse the idol in water.

Rituals & offerings

Modak (Ganesha's favourite sweet), durva grass, chaturthi puja at midday, and Visarjan (immersion) on Anant Chaturdashi.

Key facts

Lord Ganesha is invoked first in most Hindu rituals. The festival is observed over 1 to 10 days depending on the region.
Shiva Purana; regional tradition