Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi. A Hindu festival celebrating the arrival of Ganesh to earth from Kailash Parvat with his mother Goddess Parvati/Gauri. This festival is marked with the installation of Ganesh clay idols in homes or publicly on pandals (temporary stages). Vedic hymns and Hindi texts are chanted as well as prayers said and brata (fasting). Prasad (offereings) are made at daily prayers and distributed from the pandal to the community. Prasad includes sweets, like modaka as it is believed to be Ganesh’s favourite. On the tenth day there will be a procession, where a large, clay idol of Ganesh will be carried, with music and chanting. The idol of Ganesh will be immersed in water – in either a river or the sea. The clay idols will dissolve and it is believed Ganesh returns to Mount Kailash to Parvati and Shiva.

This festival celebrates Lord Ganesh as the God of new beginnings and the remover of obstacles, wisdom and intelligence.

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