Very few festivals in this country are celebrated with as much fanfare, hysteria and merrymaking as Ganesh Chaturthi, which is observed in Mumbai, Pune, and several other parts of Maharashtra. Loudspeakers blare out everything from devotional songs, Pandals are erected in practically every corner, and people take to the streets to dance and express their delirious joy like no one is watching.
The festivals which fall in the Bhadrapada month of the Hindu calendar, marks the birthday of Lord Ganesha, son of Shiva and Parvati. The first day of the festivities begins with prayers to the elephant-headed god, who is offered various delicacies, especially laddoo as prasad. Prayers are offered daily for the ten days that follow, until the immersion.
India has several religions, and their ardent followers scattered on its land peacefully. Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the favoured examples to draw the conclusion where all religions people can participate and enjoy in the same way as the Hindu followers. This is the celebration of the birthday of Lord Ganesh. The Lord is worshipped as the god of prosperity, wisdom, and good fortune. Lord Ganesha’s blessings are auspicious during the start of any new venture.