Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: How India Welcomes Lord Ganesha

Ganesh Chaturthi, also called Ganeshotsav or Vinayaka Chaturthi, celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity of wisdom and prosperity. This year, the festival begins on August 27 and concludes with Visarjan on September 6, when devotees immerse Ganesha idols in water, symbolizing his return to the divine realm. Across India, each state brings its own cultural touch, blending rituals, sweets, music, and community celebrations.

Mumbai: The Heartbeat of Ganeshotsav Mumbai is renowned for its elaborate celebrations. Iconic pandals like Lalbaugcha Raja, Khetwadi Ganraj, and Andhericha Raja draw millions. Streets resonate with chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya,” while devotees participate in colorful processions, musical performances, and cultural programs. The grand finale sees idols immersed in the Arabian Sea amid festive fanfare, creating an unforgettable city-wide spectacle.

Goa: Chavath Traditions and Sweets In Goa, Ganesh Chaturthi is locally known as Chavath. Families clean homes, visit relatives, and worship clay idols. Traditional sweets like Nevri and Patoleo are prepared, and folk dances, including Dashavatar, bring communities together. Celebrations typically last two days, concluding with the immersion of idols in rivers or lakes.

Delhi: A Cultural Mosaic Delhi’s celebrations reflect the city’s cosmopolitan spirit. Large idols appear in some areas, while others focus on Vedic rituals and devotional chants. Decorated pandals, cultural performances, and community gatherings make Ganesh Chaturthi a lively, cross-cultural festival in the nation’s capital.

Southern Traditions: Tamil Nadu and Karnataka In Tamil Nadu, the festival is known as Vinayaka Chaturthi. Celebrations start with Gauri Habba, honoring Goddess Gauri, Lord Ganesha’s mother. Devotees install clay idols, offer prayers, sing devotional songs, and prepare sweets like Kozhukattai, akin to modaks. Cultural events and religious discourses are common, particularly in Chennai.

In Karnataka, people follow traditional rituals with prayers to Goddess Gauri, clay idol installations, pujas, and offerings like modakam, gojju, and payasam. Cities like Bengaluru and Mysuru host bhajans, aartis, and cultural programs, emphasizing devotion and community participation.

Other Regional Highlights

• Pune: Known for vibrant pandals, dances, and traditional sweets, Pune’s Ganeshotsav attracts visitors from across Maharashtra.
• Hyderabad: The city hosts grand celebrations, including the towering Khairatabad Ganesha idol, often over 60 feet, with massive laddu offerings.
• Kolkata: While smaller in scale, celebrations blend local traditions with idol worship, pujas, and cultural events.
• Andhra Pradesh & Telangana: Vinayaka Chavithi features clay idol installations, bhajans, and public events. Kanipakam village holds a 21-day Brahmotsavam, a unique regional highlight.
• West Bengal, Odisha & Gujarat: Families and communities observe rituals with offerings like modaks, fruits, and coconuts. Public processions in cities like Ahmedabad and Surat add grandeur.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 promises a colourful, spiritual, and culturally rich celebration across India, uniting communities in devotion, music, sweets, and festive cheer.