Vinayaka Chaturthi Festival, also called Ganesh Chaturthi is a major festival in India, where prayers are offered to Lord Ganesha. It is supposed that Lord Ganesha remain present on the earth to bless all the devotees during this festival. It is supposed that lord Shiva declared on the day that his son Ganesha would be over all the gods. It is said that worship of God Ganesha is auspicious while starting any venture as he is linked to prosperity and good fortune. Needless to say, this Ganesh Chaturthi festival is celebrated across the length and breath of India with full honor. Joining hands in festivities; Indian government has declared Ganesh Chaturthi, a holiday. The Ganesh Puja festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the states of Maharashtra, Odisha, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The festival is also celebrated where Indian diaspora is present in large numbers.

Let us have a look on the legends attached with it. As per legends Lord Ganesha was created by Godess Parvati, consort of Lord Shiva. It is said that the Goddess created Ganesha with Sandalwood and asked him to stand guard while she was going for a bath. On return of Shiva the little lord Ganesha didn't allow him to enter. An angry lords Shiva cut the head of baby Ganesha. On realizing his mistake lord Shiva implanted the head of an elephant. Form then on Lord Ganesha is called the elephant god.

After stealing a glance over the legends let us have a look on how and when is Vinayaka Chaturthi festival is celebrated. For the celebrations an idol of lord Ganesha is made and installed on a high platform on the day of festival. The venue is tastefully to suit the festive mood. The priest invokes life to idol by chanting some mantras. It is often called as 'pranapratishhtha'. This ritual is followed by 'shhodashopachara' (16 ways of paying tribute). Then after the idol is adorned with red sandal paste or Rakta Chandan. Further the priest chants mantra from the Rig Veda, Ganapati Atharva Shirsha Upanishad, and Ganesha stotra from the Narada Purana.

The idol of Ganesha is worshiped for ten days. On the day eleventh the devotees take the idol in the form of a procession. The whole procession is filled with activities like dancing and singing. On reaching the sea or river the idol is immersed with the shouting of Ganapathi Bappa Morya, Purchya Varshi Laukariya". This festival is an ideal occasion to bond with family and friends.