Key Points
CNN . . Huge crowds of devotees gathered across India this month to celebrate the Hindu festival Ganesh Chaturthi, marking the birth of the deity Ganesha, the elephant-headed, round-bellied god of prosperity and wisdom.. ..
The 10-day festivities sawworshipers hoist elaborately painted clay idols of Ganesha towards the sky and submerge them in water as part of the traditions associated with one of Indias most vibrant and beloved festivals, celebrated by Hindus worldwide.. ..
In Indias western Maharashtra state, which includes Mumbai, the home of Bollywood,the streets came alive as devotees danced to blaring drums and under clouds of colored powder filling the air.. . Ganesha, whose name translates to Lord of the People, is known for his ability to remove obstacles and is generally worshipped before new beginnings.. ..
His vehicle, known as avahana, is the large Indian bandicoot rat, another symbol of Ganeshas ability to overcome anything.. . Ganesh Chaturthi falls each year in late summer, during the Bhadra month in the Hindu calendar, and marks a celebratory time of year when families gather..
Devotees then perform special prayers and chant hymns as part of the rituals seeking his blessings.. . Ganeshas favorite foods coconut, jaggery (a type of sugar), and modak (sweet dumplings) are offered to him as gifts.. ..
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