Have a blessed ganesh chaturthi!

On Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chavithi, a festival to celebrate the birth of Lord Ganesh being on Monday, idols are installed in homes and at elaborate pandals.

Ganesh is hailed with various names. He is mainly "Vighna Harta" (one who removes obstacles) and "Buddhi Pradaayaka" (one who grants intelligence). Devotees observe fasting, offer prayers to idols.

As many as 21 sacred leaves like Shami Patra, Bhringraj Patra and Bel Patra and all types of flowers are offered. Sweet modaka, puffed rice, motichoor laddus etc, believed to be favourites of Lord Ganesha, are on display.

All parts of city have geared up for the festival beginning September 2. Stalls and vendors have kept ready idols, patris and sweets for the devotees to pick as offerings to the first among deities.