Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi festival, seek blessings from the holy god

Devotees parade with an elephant-headed statue of Lord Ganesha on the streets of Mumbai, India. (Source: Getty)

This is one of the most colorful and beloved festivals in India. During the 10-day festival, participants perform traditional dances and sing songs. The highlight of the event is the procession of the intricately decorated clay idol of Lord Ganesha.

On the final day of the festival, the statue of Lord Ganesha is placed on a chariot and carried through the streets before being released into a river or lake.

In the western Indian state of Maharashtra, the streets come alive as devotees dance to the beat of drums and clouds of colourful powder fly through the air.

According to Indian mythology, Lord Ganesha is the god of good fortune, capable of removing obstacles in life and is often worshiped for new beginnings.

Ganesh Chaturthi takes place at the end of summer each year, during the month of Bhadra in the Hindu calendar, and is a time for families to get together. This year, the festival begins on September 7 and ends on September 18.

The festival begins with devotees anointing the idols of Lord Ganesha with red sandalwood paste, decorating them with yellow and red flowers, and placing them on elevated platforms in homes and public outdoor areas. Devotees then perform prayers and chant mantras to seek blessings.

Hindu devotees chant together during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. (Source: Getty)

Hindu devotees also offer Lord Ganesha his favorite foods like coconut, jaggery and modak (a sweet dumpling).

At the end of the festival, the Ganesha idols are released into rivers, seas or lakes. It is believed that this helps Ganesha return to his heavenly home after staying on earth during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.