Ganesha Chalurthi is the Hindu festival celebrated in honour of the god Ganesha, the elephant-headed, remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom. The modem festival involves installing day images of Ganesha in public pandals (temporary shrines), which are worshiped for ten days. These are immersed at the end of the festival in a body of water such as a lalte, along with the idol. Some Hindus also install the day images of Ganesha in their homes. It is believed that Ganesha bestows his presence on earth for all his devotees during this festival.

Photo: Amrut