India began on Monday, September 14, the annual celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the most important festivities in the Hindu calendar. Hindu families and community groups across the country flock to temples and public spaces to participate in the festivities.
In Mumbai and Hyderabad, devotees have installed richly decorated Ganesha idols in homes and public sanctuaries. Preparations include the creation of colorful sculptures of the elephant-headed god, which are adorned with flowers, fruits and other ritual elements.
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of the god Ganesha, considered the remover of obstacles and protector of new beginnings. During the festivals, which can last up to 10 days, Hindus perform prayers, rituals and processions in honor of the deity.
This year's celebrations take place in a context of gradual normalization of public life after periods of restrictions, allowing thousands of devotees to return to participate in person in the traditional festivities.
