Ganesh Chaturthi Festival in Maharashtra |
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Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm in Maharashtra. This festival marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. The festival lasts for 10 days, starting on the fourth day of Hindu lunisolar calendar month Bhadrapada. The celebration involves installing clay idols of Ganesha in public pandals (temporary shrines) and homes. These idols are worshipped with families and friends amidst the chanting of Vedic hymns and Hindu texts. The grandeur of the festival in Maharashtra is unmatched. The streets are decorated with lights and flowers, and processions are carried out with music and group chanting, all culminating in the immersion (Visarjan) of the idol in a body of water. Delicious sweets, especially 'modak', considered Ganesha's favorite, are prepared and offered during the festival. Cultural activities like singing, theater, and orchestra performances are also a part of the celebration. Ganesh Chaturthi not only brings people together but also promotes a sense of community and harmony. It's a festival that truly encapsulates the spirit of Maharashtra. |