Creativity and prosperity: we wishes all readers a happy Ganesh Chaturthi!

The Ganesh Chaturthi festival is hugely popular in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa and other parts of India (also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Chavath). It is celebrated with gusto by NRIs, particularly in the UK, US, Canada and Mauritius. Statues of the elephant god are found overseas as well, in Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand and Indonesia. (See also my photo essays on creative designs of Diwali rangoliand Onam pookalam.)

Highlights of the 10-day festival include colourful idols of Lord Ganesha in homes and public pandals, sweets like modaka and karanji, evening aratiand cultural programmes, and the procession during immersion. Increasing urbanisation and pollution have also led to calls each year to make ‘eco friendly’ statues, without plaster-of-Paris and chemical paints.

The creativity of the artisans making the idols continues to amaze and delight year after year, with innovative (and even humorous!) themes and designs, as this photo essay shows. Lord Ganesha is worshipped before commencing any new venture, and graces many a wedding invitation card and taxi dashboard as well. He is associated with power, wisdom, prosperity, good luck, removal of obstacles, and resolution of complex situations.