Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated across India with devotion and vibrant traditions

Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated across India with devotion and vibrant traditions

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Sep 14, 2026:

The story behind Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed Hindu deity regarded as the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom, prosperity and new beginnings.

According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Parvati created Ganesha from sandalwood paste or the material from her body and asked him to guard the entrance while she bathed. When Lord Shiva returned and Ganesha refused to let him enter, a confrontation followed in which Shiva severed Ganesha’s head.

Parvati was devastated and demanded that Ganesha be brought back to life. Shiva then instructed his followers to bring the head of the first living being they encountered facing north. They returned with the head of an elephant. Shiva placed it on Ganesha’s body and restored him to life. He also declared Ganesha to be the foremost among the gods and said that his blessings should be sought before beginning important activities.

This is why Ganesha is traditionally worshipped at the beginning of ceremonies, journeys, businesses and other new ventures.

How the festival is celebrated

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with the installation of Ganesha idols in homes and public pandals. Devotees perform prayers, aarti and special rituals and offer flowers, fruits, modaks and other traditional delicacies.

Public celebrations often feature cultural programmes, devotional music, processions and community events. The festival generally lasts from one to 10 days, depending on local traditions.

The celebrations culminate in Anant Chaturdashi, when devotees take Ganesha idols in colourful processions for immersion in rivers, lakes, ponds or the sea. The immersion symbolises the return of Ganesha to his celestial abode and the cycle of creation and dissolution.

Special celebrations across India

Maharashtra — the heartland of public Ganeshotsav

Maharashtra is renowned for its grand-scale Ganeshotsav. Mumbai and Pune witness thousands of public pandals, elaborate decorations and huge gatherings of devotees.

Mumbai’s famous Lalbaugcha Raja attracts enormous crowds every year, while Pune is known for its historic Manache Ganpati celebrations. Dhol-tasha performances and massive immersion processions are among the festival’s major attractions.

Karnataka — traditional and community celebrations

In Karnataka, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in homes, temples and community pandals. Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad and other cities see special pujas, cultural programmes and processions.

In coastal Karnataka, the festival is closely associated with family traditions, decorated homes, special food offerings and community celebrations. Clay idols and eco-friendly celebrations have also gained importance.

Goa — a deeply rooted family festival

In Goa, Ganesh Chaturthi, locally known as Chovoth, is one of the most important festivals. Families traditionally bring Ganesha idols into their ancestral homes, decorate the house and prepare special festive dishes.

The celebration has a strong family and community character, with traditional music, rituals and immersion ceremonies.

Telangana and Andhra Pradesh — grand public idols

Hyderabad is famous for its massive Khairatabad Ganesh idol. The festival attracts devotees from across Telangana and neighbouring regions.

The final immersion procession through Hyderabad is one of the city’s biggest annual religious gatherings, with thousands of idols being immersed at designated water bodies.

Gujarat — vibrant community celebrations

Cities across Gujarat, including Ahmedabad and Surat, celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with public pandals, devotional programmes and colourful processions. Community groups often organise cultural events alongside the religious celebrations.

Tamil Nadu — Vinayaka Chaturthi

In Tamil Nadu, the festival is popularly known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Pillaiyar Chaturthi. Homes and temples are decorated for the occasion, and devotees offer traditional sweets and prayers to Lord Ganesha.

Kerala — Chathurthi celebrations

In Kerala, Vinayaka Chaturthi is observed mainly through temple and household worship. In areas with sizeable Ganesha-worshipping communities, public celebrations and immersion ceremonies are also held.

Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and other states

Ganesh Chaturthi is also celebrated with enthusiasm in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and other parts of North and Central India. Public pandals, devotional programmes, cultural activities and immersion processions form an important part of celebrations in many cities.

Why the festival is special

Beyond its religious significance, Ganesh Chaturthi has become a major community and cultural festival. It brings families and neighbourhoods together, supports local artisans who make Ganesha idols and provides a platform for music, art and cultural programmes.

In recent years, many communities have also promoted eco-friendly Ganesh Chaturthi, encouraging the use of natural clay idols and responsible immersion practices to reduce the environmental impact.

In essence, Ganesh Chaturthi is a celebration of wisdom, new beginnings, devotion and community spirit — with traditions that vary widely from one region of India to another.