Ganesh Chaturti

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of India's most widely celebrated festivals, marked by devotion and community spirit. It usually falls between August and September, depending on the lunar calendar. Here's a general overview of how it's celebrated across India:
1. **Maharashtra**: The festival is most prominent here, especially in cities like Mumbai and Pune. People install large idols of Ganesha in homes and public spaces, known as **sarvajanik pandals**. Lavish decorations, music, and cultural programs accompany the celebrations, culminating in the grand immersion (visarjan) processions on the 10th day.
2. *Karnataka**: Ganesha Chaturthi is celebrated with equal zeal. People bring home idols, offer prayers, and share festive sweets like **modaks* (a favorite of Lord Ganesha). Public celebrations are also popular, with cultural activities and processions.
3. *Tamil Nadu**: Known as **Vinayaka Chaturthi* here, the celebrations are more private and spiritual, with prayers in homes and temples. Special rituals are performed in temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
4. **Andhra Pradesh & Telangana**: The festival is celebrated as **Vinayaka Chavithi**, where families install clay idols and perform daily poojas. Like in Maharashtra, public celebrations with pandals are also a common sight.
5. *Goa**: Called **Chavath* in Goa, it is celebrated with a mix of traditional rituals and community festivities. People make eco-friendly Ganesha idols and perform rituals at home.
6. **Other parts of India**: Ganesh Chaturthi is gaining popularity across the country, with people increasingly celebrating in places like Delhi, Gujarat, and West Bengal, where local communities come together to host public events.
Overall, Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival that brings people together to pray for prosperity, wisdom, and the removal of obstacles from their lives. The immersion ceremony, which signifies the return of Lord Ganesha to his abode, is a highlight, symbolizing the cycle of creation and dissolution.