The auspicious festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is just around the corner. It is one of the most popular Hindu festivals celebrated in India and is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganeshotsav.

It is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and the god of knowledge, wealth and new beginnings. It usually takes place between August and September, during the Hindu month of Bhadrapada.

The festival is celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm across the country, especially in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka.

Representing auspiciousness, wisdom, prosperity and good fortune, Lord Ganesha is worshipped in almost every home before any puja or ritual.

According to the Drik Panchang, a 10-day festival of Vinayak Chaturdashi 2023 will begin at 12:39 pm on Monday, September 18 and end at 20:43 pm on Tuesday, September 19, 2023.

Lord Ganesh, also known as Ekdanta, Lambodara and a variety of other names, is worshipped for changing people's fortunes and removing disasters and obstacles from their path.

At the beginning of the festival, Ganesha statues are placed on raised platforms in homes or in elaborately decorated outdoor tents. Pranapratishtha, a rite to bring the idols to life, is the first step in worship.

This is followed by shhodashopachara, or the 16 ways of expressing worship. While the idols are being smeared with red sandalwood paste and yellow and red flowers, the Ganesh Upanishad and other Vedic hymns are being chanted.

Additionally provided are coconut, jaggery, and 21 modaks, a sweet dumpling considered Ganesha's favourite dish. At the end of the festival, huge processions of idols are taken to nearby rivers, accompanied by drumming, devotional singing and dancing.

This festival holds great cultural and religious importance as devotees across India and beyond come together to worship Lord Ganesha, seek his blessings for success and removal of obstacles.