Ganesh Chaturthi - Bal Ganesha

Rubik’s cube mosaic of Bal Ganesha

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is a grand Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings. The festival, which lasts 10 days, begins with the installation of beautifully crafted Ganesha idols in homes and public pandals, followed by prayers, devotional songs, and offerings of modaks, Lord Ganesha’s favorite sweet. The festival concludes with the Ganesh Visarjan, where the idol is immersed in water, symbolizing the cycle of birth and return to nature.

It was revived as a public celebration by Lokmanya Tilak in 1893 to unite Indians against British rule. Today, it is not just a religious festival but also a symbol of community bonding, cultural pride, and environmental awareness, with many opting for eco-friendly idols to protect nature. Ganpati Bappa Morya!