GANESH CHATURTHI

Ganesh Chaturthi festival is celebrated in most part of India, predominately in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa, Chattisgarh and Odisha. During this festival, it is believed that Lord Ganesh makes his presence on earth and is worshiped widely as god of wisdom, good fortune and prosperity. The festival, also known as Ganeshotsav, which generally falls between August and September, lasts for 10 days. Preparations for the festivals starts three prior to the date of Ganesh Chaturthi, when artisans start making the clay models of the Lord in various sizes, for sale. The festival starts with the installation of these idols in homes and beautifully decorated "pandals". Using the statue or the idol as a channel, mantras are chanted to invoke the presence of Lord Ganesha. Modkak or Modakam, made out of flour stuffed with dry-grated coconut, dry fruits and jiggery, which is either fried or steam cooked.

After being worshiped for 10 days the idols are taken out for immersion in the rivers or the sea. The immersion procession through the streets is an amazing sight, with people dancing and singing along the way to the immersion points, calling out to Lord Ganasha to come again the next year. After the final offering of flowers, camphor and coconut, the idol is immersed into the river or the sea.
In 2017 Ganesh Chaturthi festival is scheduled to begin on 25th August.

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