The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with great fervour and gaiety across the nation. Ganesh Chaturthi also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Ganesha. It falls in the months of August or September of the Gregorian calendar. The festival usually falls in late August or early September, depending on the cycle of the moon. Ganesh Chaturthi 2019 will begin on Monday, September 2 and will continue until Anant Chaturdashi on September 12. Lalbaugcha Raja 2019 Darshan: How to Reach The Famous Ganeshotsav Pandal of Mumbai By Train or Road This Ganesh Chaturthi.

The festival is marked with the installation of Ganesha clay idols privately in homes, or publicly on elaborate pandals. Ganesh also known as Ganpati is popularly worshipped for his ability to remove obstacles (Vignaharta) and bring good fortune and prosperity. The festival of Ganeshotsav extends over 11 days with the biggest spectacle happening on the last day called Anant Chaturdashi, which falls on September 12, 2019.

Impressive and artistic Ganesha statue are display at Ganesh Pandal with scores of devotees visiting and praying to the Lord each day. The festival which marks the birth of the beloved Hindu elephant-headed god, Lord Ganesha is celebrated widely in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa, Telangana, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh among others. Hindus around the world worship Lord Ganesh, who is believed to be the God of Education, Wisdom, Good, Fortune and Wealth.

Shree Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai

Shree Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)

The Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai is a very famous temple which is located in the heart of the city. The temple, located in Prabhadevi area of the metropolis, is dedicated to Lord Shri Ganesh. It was originally built by Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil on 19 November 1801. It is one of the richest temples in Mumbai. Siddhivinayak is well known as ‘Navrachna Ganapati’ or "Navasala Pavanara Ganapati" ('Ganapati bestows whenever humbly genuinely prayed a wish') among devotees.

Ranthambore Ganesh Temple, Rajasthan

Ranthambore Ganesh Temple, Rajasthan (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)

This temple, located in Rajasthan’s Ranthambore district, is one of the famous temples in India. According to legends, the temple received the wedding invite of Lord Krishna and Rukmani. Following this, people from all parts of India began sending their wedding invitations to the temple.  One of the most popular attractions of the Ranthambore Ganesh Temple is the Ganesh Mela, which is held every year on Ganesh Chaturthi and is visited by millions of people.

Rockfort Ucchi Pillayar Koil Temple, Tamil Nadu

Rockfort Ucchi Pillayar Koil Temple, Tamil Nadu (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)

This temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha located a top of Rockfort, Trichy in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. The temple dates back to the 7th century. According to legend, the rock, on which the temple is located, is the place where Lord Ganesha ran from King Vibishana, after establishing the Ranganathaswamy deity in Srirangam. The temple has an awe-inspiring rock architecture and with a stunning view of Trichy, Srirangam and the rivers Kaveri and Kollidam. Due to its ancient and impressive architecture created by the Pallavas, the temple is maintained by the Archaeological department of India.

Khajrana Ganesh Temple in Indore

Khajrana Ganesh Temple in Indore (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)

This temple which is dedicated to Lord Ganesha is a pilgrimage center in Indore. The temple has been built during reign of Holkar dynasty by Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar. Since ancient times, devotees have been circling around temple and tying a thread to pray Lord Ganesha for successfully completion of their work. According to beliefs, all the wishes of the devotees are fulfilled after praying at this temple in Indore. Thousands of devotees gather at the temple on Wednesdays and Sundays to offer prayers.

Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple in Pune

Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple, Pune (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)

This popular temple in Pune is dedicated to the Hindu God, Ganesh and is visited by over hundred thousand pilgrims every year. People are celebrating 127 years of celebration for this Ganapati in the year 2017. The annual ten-day Ganeshotsav festival is celebrated with a great fanfare at the temple. The main Ganesh idol is insured for sum of Rs 10 million. The temple is a beautiful construction and boasts a rich history of over 100 years.

During the 10-day Ganeshotsav, devotees bring Ganpati idols home. They decorate their homes and install the deity with due respect and honour. Special prayers are offered throughout the day for all the ten days. We wish everyone celebrating Happy Ganesh Chaturthi in advance!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 30, 2019 05:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).