On the occasion of the Ganapati festival, a large number of images are made of clay or metal in all possible sizes sometimes even up to twenty feet. People buy them and install them in their houses and worship for one and a half, five, seven, or ten days (Ananda Chaturdashi), after which the images are taken out ceremoniously, carried in a procession through the streets of the town (especially in Maharashtra) and thrown into the river, sea or well for immersion or 'Visarjan'. People chant 'Ganpati bappa Morya, Agle baras to jaldi aa' ('Father Ganpati, Come again soon next year') while immersing. The idol should not be kept after this day, as it is considered inauspicious. The sea front at Mumbai, packed with people, is a spectacular sight.
A cultural feast is held to coincide with Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra especially at Pune. Classical dance, music performances, poetry recitations, folk dances, theatre and film festival are the main features of this festival. (DOUThis festival falls on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada month of the Hindu calendar around August-September.It is celebrated all across India and is the biggest festival in Maharashtra. Ganesh Chaturti is celebrated for a period of ten days. Fasting, feasting and distribution of sweets offered to Lord Ganesh are important aspects of Ganesh chaturthi rituals in India. Hindus pray to images of Lord Ganesha. Praying to Lord Ganesh during the festival will bring good luck and prosperity for the family.
(12 Nights/13 Days)