ganesh chaturthi, also known as vinayaka chaturthi, is a much-loved festival in India that marks the birth of lord ganesha. it usually occurs in august or september. the celebration begins with families and communities installing colorful clay idols of ganesha in homes or public pandals. people perform daily pujas, sing devotional songs (bhajans), and offer sweets—especially modaks, considered ganesha’s favorite. the festival lasts for ten days. on the last day, the idol is taken in a grand procession for immersion in a river or sea, symbolizing the lord’s journey to his heavenly abode and the cycle of creation and dissolution. ganesh chaturthi is not just a religious event; it also brings people together, encouraging unity and social bonding. in recent years, eco-friendly practices—such as using natural clay, organic colours, and minimal decoration—have gained popularity. this change helps protect water bodies and aquatic life, making ganesh chaturthi both a spiritual and environmentally conscious celebration.