Ganesh Chaturthi is the Hindu festival celebrated in honour of the elephant-headed god, Ganesha. Celebrations are traditionally held usually August or September in the Gregorian calendar. The festival generally lasts ten days, ending on the fourteenth day of the fortnight.
The festival is celebrated in public and at home. The public celebration involves installing clay images of Ganesha in public pandals (temporary shrines) and group worship. At home, an appropriately-sized clay image is installed and worshiped with family and friends. At the end of the festival, the idols are immersed (and dissolve) in a body of water such as a lake or pond.
The festival begins with the selection and installation of a clay idol. When the idol is installed, it and its shrine are decorated with flowers and other materials.
In preparation for the festival, artisans create clay models of Ganesha for sale. The idols range in size from 3⁄4 inch (1.9 cm) for homes to over 70 ft (21 m) for large community celebrations.
I took this shot last year in the community y hall in our building where residents from all communities take part in the celebrations.
I chose this for the contest because of the wonderful way the decorative electrical mini lamps were done by the youngsters in my building! They even made a Peacock throne for Him!
You will also notice the large spread of the 'offerings' to the Gods in the Hindu tradition. These consist of flowers, fruits, sweet eatables, milk,incense sticks etc. Of course after the main prayer is over amidst chants, these are distributed to all the people present there! (incentive for the people to hang on:):):))
Camera: Canon SX130IS, handheld, lighting slightly adjusted, image re-sized to FAR requirements.
Enjoy!