Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu holiday honoring Ganesha, the elephant headed god. He is the son of the god Shiva, the destroyer, and the goddess Parvati. Ganesha is the brother of Kartikeya -the general of the gods, Lakshmi -the goddess of wealth, and Saraswati-the goddess of learning. He is the god of good omens, and the remover of obstacles.

In Bombay, Ganesh Chaturthi is known as Ganapati Mahotsav, or the grand festival. It is the largest festival in that city. Figures of Ganesha up to 30 feet high are placed on trucks, decorated with lights, and paraded around the city. The Ganesha procession is announced by the playing of cymbals, and drums. Traditionally, at the end of the procession, the figures are taken to a lake or river and immersed.

According to Hindu tradition, the god Ganesha was born while his father Shiva was away on a long trip. When Shiva returned home, Ganesha did not recognize him, and refused to let him enter the house. Not knowing Ganesha was his son, Shiva cut off Ganesha head. Once Shiva found that Ganesha was his son, he felt remorseful. He replaced Ganesha’s severed head with one from a baby elephant and breathed life into the dead child. This is the origin of Ganesha’s elephant head.

See Also

Holiday Catalogue

Hindu Observances