Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chavithi, is a popular Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune.
The festival usually falls in August or September and is celebrated with great devotion across India, especially in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. People install beautiful clay idols of Lord Ganesha in their homes and public pandals, offer prayers, flowers, and sweets—especially modak, which is Ganesha’s favorite.
The celebrations last from one to ten days, ending with the immersion (Visarjan) of the idol in water, symbolizing Ganesha’s return to his heavenly abode. Ganesh Chaturthi represents new beginnings, removal of obstacles, and unity among people.