Have a Holiday Idea? Submit and Get It Voted In!
Submit & Vote
.svg)
Experience the joy and colors of Ganesh Chaturthi! Join the festivities that honor the beloved elephant-headed god, Lord Ganesha.
Get ready to plunge into the colorful festivities of Ganesh Chaturthi, which falls on September 7! This is a ten-day Hindu festival, celebrated with fervor and joy, that honors Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god who symbolizes wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. The tradition dates back over a thousand years and it all begins with placing beautifully hand-crafted idols of Ganesha in homes and beautifully decorated public pandals. Join in the jubilation, immerse yourself in the chants, music, dance, and don't forget to enjoy the mouthwatering array of sweets, which are loved by Lord Ganesha himself! Let's come together and celebrate goodness and prosperity on Ganesh Chaturthi!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>4th Century CE</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Origins of the Festival</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first historical records of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations are found in inscriptions from the 4th century CE during the Gupta Empire.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1893</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Revival by Lokmanya Tilak</div><div class='timeline-text'>In 1893, Indian freedom fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak transformed the private, home-based Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations into a grand public event to bridge the gap between Brahmins and non-Brahmins and to create a sense of unity among people against colonial rule.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1930s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Film Industry Influence</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the 1930s, the Indian film industry started featuring Ganesh Chaturthi in movies, increasing its popularity across India.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Spread</div><div class='timeline-text'>During the 1990s, Ganesh Chaturthi festivities spread to several countries with Indian Diaspora such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, turning it into a globally celebrated event.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Eco-Friendly Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Since the 2000s, there has been a growing emphasis on celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in an eco-friendly manner where people are encouraged to use biodegradable materials to make Ganesha idols and to avoid polluting water bodies during immersion.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Create your own Ganesha idol</h3><p class='facts-text'>You can make a Ganesha idol at home using clay or eco-friendly materials. This not only adds a personal touch to the celebration but also promotes environmental sustainability, which is a growing concern due to the pollution caused by plaster of Paris idols.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Organize a sweet-making competition</h3><p class='facts-text'>As Lord Ganesha is known for his love for sweets, especially 'Modak', you can organize a sweet-making competition among family and friends. It will give everyone a chance to showcase their culinary skills and enjoy a variety of sweets.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Conduct an art competition for children</h3><p class='facts-text'>Organizing an art competition for children where they can paint or sketch Lord Ganesha is a fun and interactive way to get them involved in the festival. It also gives them an opportunity to learn about the culture and traditions associated with Ganesh Chaturthi.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Hold a cultural performance night</h3><p class='facts-text'>You can arrange a special night for cultural performances, such as traditional dances, songs, and plays related to Lord Ganesha. This can be an entertaining and enlightening experience for all.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Participate in public processions</h3><p class='facts-text'>Many cities and communities organize grand processions on the last day of Ganesh Chaturthi where the idols of Ganesha are immersed in water. Participating in these processions can be a memorable experience filled with music, dance, and collective joy.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>A Celebration of Community and Togetherness</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Ganesh Chaturthi promotes collective joy, unity, and togetherness as people come together to participate in various activities, rituals, and processions. It's a grand show of social harmony as it brings together people of different religions and social backgrounds to participate in the festivities.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Celebrates Art and Creativity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The festival honors artistry and creativity, from the detailed hand-crafted Ganesha idols to the meticulously decorated 'pandals', traditional dance, music, and more. Children are also encouraged to explore their creative sides with painting and drawing activities related to Lord Ganesha, fostering appreciation for art and culture from a young age.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Symbolizes Good Fortune and Prosperity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Ganesh Chaturthi honors Lord Ganesha, the god of new beginnings, wisdom, and good fortune. The festival is not just a religious observation but also a celebration of optimism, prosperity, and one's gratitude for life's blessings. It is an opportunity to reflect, express faith, and welcome positivity into one's life.</p></div></div>
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
