Ganesh Chaturthi Date in the current year: September 7, 2024

Ganesha is one of the most worshiped gods in Hinduism. According to the majority of myths, he is the son of Shiva and Parvati. Ganesha is easily identified by his elephant head, but he also has other attributes. For example, he is often depicted as red in color, although various forms of Ganesha are associated with various colors.

During the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, people install statues of Ganesha in their homes and erect pandals (temporary structures to venerate Ganesha) in every locality, decorating them with lights, flower garlands etc. Priests clad in festive garments hat mantras to invoke the presence of Ganesha. Besides, each locality has its own traditions of celebration. Outside India, the festival is celebrated by migrant Hindu communities.

Ganesh Chaturthi lasts for ten days and culminates on the 14th day of the waxing moon period in Bhadrapada month. The first day of Ganesh Chaturthi is recognized as a public holiday in Mauritius and some Indian states and union territories (Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry).