Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated all over India, particularly in the state of Andhra Pradesh (AP), with great fervor and enthusiasm. This festival marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, who is considered the god of wisdom, prosperity, and success. The festival takes place on the Chaturthi (fourth day) of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada month in the Hindu calendar, usually falling in late August or early September.
During Ganesh Chaturthi, people decorate their homes with flowers and colorful rangolis, and install clay idols of Lord Ganesh in specially prepared temporary structures. The festivities include traditional music and dancing, processions, and public performances of plays and dances. Daily rituals involve offering sweets, flowers, and other items to the idol amidst the chanting of religious hymn 'Ganapati Bappa Morya'.
The festival culminates on Anant Chaturdashi (the fourteenth day), when the idols of Ganesha are immersed in a body of water in a ritual known as 'Visarjan'. This symbolizes seeing-off the lord on his journey towards his abode, taking away with him the misfortunes of mankind. The grandeur and scale of the celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi in Andhra Pradesh is indeed a sight to behold, reflecting the deep-seated faith and devotion of the people.