The Ganesh festival is being celebrated across India from Friday onwards with people performing poojas in the morning to the idol of the elephant-headed god moulded in wet clay.

Ganesha Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chavithi is celebrated by Hindus around the world as the birthday of Lord Ganesha.

Considered as God of wisdom and power, Lord Ganesha is Lord Shiva’s eldest son and he is the elder brother of Kartikeya and Skanda. He is considered to be the energy component of Lord Shiva and hence he is referred to as the son of Umadevi and Shankar. Mothers hope to get Ganesha’s sterling virtues by praying Lord Ganesha.

On the day of the festival, the belief is such that one should not see the moon. If anyone violates it, they will face false allegations in the coming year.

We use 21 types of herbal leaves and flowers during Ganesh Festival to worship Lord Ganesh.

Immersion of Ganesh idols is performed on 3rd, 5th and 7th days. For 10 days, from Bhadrapad Shudh Chaturthi to the Ananta Chaturdashi, Ganesha is worshipped. The 11th day is the last day for immersion of the idols. The day is called as Anant Chaturdashi.

On the last day, the idol is taken through the streets in a procession accompanied with dancing, singing, and shouting like "Ganapathi Bappa Morya, Purchya Varshi Laukariya" (O father Ganesha, come again early next year), and it will be immersed in water symbolizing a ritual see-off of the Lord in his journey towards his abode in Kailash while taking away with him the misfortunes of all man.

Vakrtund Mahakaya Surya Koti Samaprabha |
Nirbhignam Kurumedaya Sarva Karyashu Sarvada |

Sakshipost prays Lord Ganesh to bring rains in the year and bring happiness for all the people in the country.