Ganesha Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayak Chaturthi is a Hindu festival. The day is devoted to honor, the elephant-headed God, Ganesha's, birthday. Lord Ganesha also recognized by 108 names out of which few are Vinayaka, Binayak, and Ganpati.

According to the Hindu shastra he is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The Lord of art and science Ganesha is known as the deva of wisdom, learning, as well as the remover of impediment. Since, Ganesha is considered as the God of beginnings thus he is also honored at the start of rituals, ceremonies, and his idol is considered as a sign of auspiciousness.

Ganesha’s image is found throughout India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Nepal. Hindu sects worship him regardless of affiliations. Devotion to Ganesha is widely diffused and extends to Jains and Buddhists. The ten day festival begins on Shukla Chaturthi which is the fourth day of the waxing moon period, and ends on the 14th day of the waxing moon period known as Anant.

Various ceremonies such as huge colourful Pandals, Pranapratishhtha - the process of infusing the deity into a murti or idol are few known rituals of the festival.

Additionally, Shhodashopachara - 16 forms of paying tribute to Ganesha, Uttarpuja - Puja after which the idol could be shifted after it is infusion, Ganpati Visarjan - immersion of the Idol in the river are the aspects of this grand festival.

Content: Wikipedia