Ganesh Chaturthi Vrat

Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha. The katha narrates how Parvati created Ganesha from turmeric paste to guard her privacy, how Shiva unknowingly severed the boy's head, and how he was revived with an elephant's head and declared Pratham Pujya — to be worshipped before all gods.

Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi (4th day of waxing moon in Bhadrapada month) — typically August/September. The festival lasts 1.5, 3, 5, 7, or 10 days.

Ganesh Chaturthi worship removes all obstacles, grants wisdom, success in education and business, protection during new beginnings, and brings prosperity. Lord Ganesha is invoked before starting any new venture.

Install a clay Ganesha idol. Perform Prana Pratishtha (invocation) with mantras. Offer 21 modaks, 21 durva grass bundles, red flowers, and sindoor. Light a ghee diya. Chant Ganapati Atharvashirsha or "Om Gan Ganapataye Namah" 108 times. Perform aarti with camphor. On the final day, perform visarjan (immersion) with "Ganpati Bappa Morya, Purchya Varshi Laukarya!"