Major Festivals — Hindu Sacred Festival
Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is a 10-day festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha. Large elaborately crafted clay idols of Ganesha are installed in homes and public pandals (marquees), worshipped for 1.5, 5, 7, or 10 days, and then immersed in water (Ganesh Visarjan) on Anant Chaturdashi. The festival was popularized by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak in 1893 as a way to unite Indians against British rule. Maharashtra celebrates it most grandly.
Last updated: 19 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Significance
Birth of the remover of obstacles (Vighnaharta). The festival unites communities in collective worship and is the largest public festival in Maharashtra and many other states.
Rituals & Traditions
Install Ganesha idol. Perform Shodashopchar puja twice daily. Offer modak (21 modaks traditionally). Recite Atharvashirsha. On Visarjan day, carry idol in procession with music to water body. Immerse idol. Chant "Ganpati Bappa Morya!"
Traditional Foods
FAQ
Q.What is Ganesh Chaturthi?
Ganesh Chaturthi is a 10-day festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha. Large elaborately crafted clay idols of Ganesha are installed in homes and public pandals (marquees), worshipped for 1.5, 5, 7, or 10 days, and then immersed in water (Ganes...
Q.What is the significance of Ganesh Chaturthi?
Birth of the remover of obstacles (Vighnaharta). The festival unites communities in collective worship and is the largest public festival in Maharashtra and many other states.
Q.What are the rituals of Ganesh Chaturthi?
Install Ganesha idol. Perform Shodashopchar puja twice daily. Offer modak (21 modaks traditionally). Recite Atharvashirsha. On Visarjan day, carry idol in procession with music to water body. Immerse idol. Chant "Ganpati Bappa Morya!"
Q.What foods are made during Ganesh Chaturthi?
Modak (steamed), Modak (fried), Karanji, Puran poli, Coconut sweets