Hindu festival celebrated most vigorously in western India, especially in Pune and Mumbai (Bombay)

Lord Ganesh or Ganpati is believed to remove obstancles, his blessings are sought for any important endeavour

Families invite the elephant-headed Lord Ganesh into their homes in the form of a small, colourful statue. Songs and prayers are held in front of him every day. Finally statues are taken in colourful processions to a water body for immersion.

Ganesh statues in temples and for sale

Temporary temples in the streets of Pune

School children and drum players take part in a procession in Pune.

Immersion of statues, big and small, at Juhu beach in Mumbai city and in rivers of Pune