GANESH CHATURTHI

Ganesh Chaturthi comes in the hindu month of Bhadrapad, ie.The beginning of September and lasts for ten days.Ganesh is the Elephant-Headed God of wisdom. The Festival is Celebrated all over India, but in Maharashtra it's celebrated with a Special Excitement.

He is the God of wisdom and Prosperity and remover of all Obstacles. In his four hands he holds a chakra(Wheel), shell,Lotus and mace.Earlier this festivals was purely celebrated at home, till BalGangadhar Tilk made it into a community affair where rich or poor could worship alike. That's when it came to be known as the Sarvajanik(Community) Ganesh Utstav.

A Clay idol of Ganesh is brought home and worshiped. This could be from one and a half days to a maximum of ten days. Pooja and Haarati is perfomed for him every day and since Ganesh is the Elephant God, durva(stacks of grass)and garlands of bright Red shoeflowers are part of the offerings.

Ganesh loves sweets and offerings of modaks,ladoos and other mithais(sweets) are made to please him. Panchamruth(mixture of milk,curd,ghee,sugar and honey) is another favorite of Lord Ganesh. It's time for his immersion. He is seen off instyle with the Clashing of cymbals and beating of drums to loud cries of Ganapati Bappa Morya Pudchya Varshi Lavkar Ya,(please come early next year).