Ganesh Chaturthi, Bangalore, Karnataka, India Editorial Photo

Ladies performing rituals during establishment of idol of Lord Ganesha during Ganesh Chaturthi. Ganesha Chaturthi also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is the Hindu festival celebrated in honour of the elephant-headed god, Ganesha. This is a very auspicious day celebrated to pray to the god so that every new activity that is started is successfully completed without any obstacles. The festival generally lasts ten days. The festival is celebrated by families at home, by people at their places of work and in public. The public celebration involves installing clay images of Ganesha in public pandals (temporary shrines) and group worship. At home, clay image is installed and worshiped with family and friends. At the end of the festival, the idols are immersed in a large body of water such as the sea, river or a lake. It is celebrated throughout India especially in Maharashtra and Southern States.