Ganesh Chaturthi: What is the Hindu festival celebrating the elephant-headed god Ganesha?

How is it observed and how does the deity reward his followers?

Devotees carry an idol of the Hindu elephant god Ganesha, the deity of prosperity, for immersion into the Arabian Sea on the last day of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India (Danish Siddiqui/Reuters)

Ganesh Chaturthi is a 10-day Hindu festival taking place in India and observed around the world this week.

The occasion, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chavithi, honours the arrival on earth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god said to bring wisdom and remove obstacles from the paths of the lives of true believers.

Here’s everything you need to know.

When does it start?

Ganesh Chaturthi begins this year on Thursday 13 September.

It commences with the fourth day of the waxing moon of Bhadrapada, meaning its date shifts slightly every year by the Gregorian calendar but is always around August or September.

How is it observed?

Ganesh Chaturthi is observed throughout India, especially in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Telangana, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh. It has been held in Pune since the mid-17th century.

Its current form was introduced in the late 19th century by freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak, who saw it as a means of circumventing British Raj legislation banning mass public gatherings.

At consecration ceremonies, a priest invites Ganesha into the temple through a “Prana Pratishtha” rite in which offerings are made to the god to welcome him. Vedic hymns might be chanted from the Rigveda and passages read from Hindu sacred texts such as the Ganapathi Atharvashirsa.

Statues of the god ('Murti') are placed in the home in temporary shrines – surrounded by hibiscus flowers, dry grass and confectionery – and in public on lavish pandals while prayers are offered every day at “Madhyahna,” approximately midday.

Devotees carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesha to a temporary place of worship for the Ganesha Chaturthi festival in Mumbai (Rajanish Kakade/AP)

The festival culminates on Anant Chaturdashi, when followers immerse the murti in a body of water, a symbolic returning of the god to Mount Kailash. In Mumbai alone, 150,000 statues are brought to the shore every year.

The growth of environmental concerns in recent years has seen the once-customary clay or Plaster of Paris icons replaced with non-toxic biodegradable alternatives, such as seeds.

The day is otherwise celebrated with new clothes, street processions and sweets, particularly modaka, coconut dumplings said to be the god’s favourite.

Who is Ganesha?

According to Hindu tradition, there are two stories recounting the deity’s birth.

In the first account, the goddess Parvati created a servant boy to turn away visitors while she bathed. When another god, Shiva, arrived demanding to see her, the boy stood firm and would not let him pass. When Shiva’s generals could not make him move, the god grew angry and decapitated the child where he stood. Devastated, Parvati demanded Shiva right his wrong and he sent away his army to find a replacement head. They returned from the jungle with that of an elephant.

Alternatively, a second story tells of Pavrati’s pride in Ganesha, her son, which prompted her to invite Shani, god of Saturn, to marvel at him. Shani though held the evil eye and his gaze scalded the boy’s face. Parvati was advised by Brahma, her creator, to replace Ganesha’s head with the first alternative she found, which proved to be that of an elephant.

In Sanskrit, Ganesha is described as the “Vighneshvara,” meaning “lord of obstacles or difficulties.” Worship of Ganesha is thought to bring new beginnings, success and good luck.