On September 7th, India embarked on a vibrant 10-day celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi, a Hindu festival honoring the birth of Lord Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed deity. Known as the remover of obstacles, Ganesha is also revered as the god of wisdom and new beginnings. This festival, also known as Vinayak Chaturthi, is a joyous blend of devotion and festivity.
Day 1 of Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 saw devotees across India welcoming Ganesha into their homes. Elaborate and colorful idols of the deity were installed, adorned with intricate decorations. Prayers were offered, fasts observed, and rituals performed with great enthusiasm. Community gatherings buzzed with excitement, filled with traditional music, dance performances, and colorful displays.
In Pune, Maharashtra’s first transgender dhol-tasha troupe, ‘Shikhandi,’ performed at the Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Mandal, setting a vibrant tone for the festivities. A Maha Arti (a special prayer ceremony) took place at the Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati temple before the Ganesha idol was ceremonially installed at the Sarvajanik Mandal.
In Nagpur, the morning began with aarti and prayers at the Shri Ganesh Mandir Tekdi. In Chennai, devotees offered their prayers at the Lord Ganesha temple in the Maduravoyal area.
The festival will culminate on Anant Chaturdashi, the 10th day. During this grand finale, the idols of Ganesha are immersed in water, signifying his return to his celestial abode. This immersion ceremony is marked by chants, celebrations, and a sense of both closure and renewal as the cycle prepares to begin again next year. The immersion processions are a spectacle of color, music, and shared devotion, symbolizing a time of reflection and gratitude for the blessings received during the festival.
