The 11 day festival of Ganesha Chaturthi also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi is all set to begin today. The elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati, who is believed to bestow his presence on earth for all his devotees in the duration of this festival. Lord Ganesha is widely worshiped as the god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune. Ganesh Chaturthi starts with the installation of Ganesh statues in colorfully decorated homes and specially erected temporary pandals in every locality.

Before 1893, Ganesh Chaturthi used to be an important family festival during the Peshwa rule in Maharashtra, but later, Indian freedom fighter and social reformer Bal Gangadhar Tilak transformed the annual festival into a large, well-organized public event. While celebrated all over India, it is most elaborate in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.

Published Date : Saturday, Sep 11, 11:20am IST