Ganesha

 

Ganesha (Gaņeśa) Ganesha God of Obstacles

 

1 Etymology and other names 2 Iconography 2.1 Common attributes 3 Worship and festivals 3.1 Ganesh Chaturthi 4 Associations 4.1 Aum 4.2 Buddhi 4.3 First chakra 4.4 Mouse as vahana 5 Family and consorts 5.1 Buddhi, Siddhi, and Riddhi 5.2 Interpretations of relationships 5.3 Motif of shaktis 6 Rise to prominence 6.1 First appearance 6.2 Possible influences 6.3 Vedic and epic literature 6.4 Puranic period

 

Ganesh Chaturthi

In India, there is an important festival honouring Ganesha that is celebrated for ten days starting from Ganesh Chaturthi. This festival culminates on the day of Ananta Chaturdashi when images (murtis) of Ganesha are immersed into the most convenient body of water.

The Ganapati festival is celebrated by Hindus throughout India with great devotional fervour. While it is most popular in the state of Maharashtra, it is performed all over India. In Mumbai, India's most populated city, the festival assumes huge proportions. On the last day of the festival, millions of people of all ages descend onto the streets leading up to the sea, dancing and singing, to the rhythmic accompaniment of drums and cymbals.