Ganpati, Gauri-Ganesh & Chovoth: Many shades of 'Vighnaharta' as India welcomes Bappa

Lord Ganesha is here!

India marked Ganesh Chaturthi on Monday as devotees brought home idols of Lord Ganesh and at public pandals and offered prayers, special rituals and devotional songs. In several places, cultural programmes and community celebrations are also organised as part of the festivities.

The celebrations generally continue for up to 10 days, culminating in the immersion of Ganesha idols in water bodies on Anant Chaturdashi. Devotees take out processions carrying the idols for immersion, seeking the blessings of Lord Ganesh for prosperity and the removal of obstacles.

While celebrations are widespread across the country, it is especially big in Maharashtra. Chants of 'Ganpati Bappa Morya' echoed through the streets of Mumbai on Monday as Ganesha idols of all sizes made their way to homes and neighbourhood pandals across the metropolis, setting the stage for a grand 11-day festival.

Faith and fervour in full vigour: Mumbai decks up in devotion as 11-day Ganesh festival begins

From the bustling, narrow alleys of Lalbaug to elaborate neighbourhood pandals adorned with breathtaking artwork, the annual homecoming of the beloved deity transforms the city, binding it together in faith and celebrations.

In Goa's quiet coastal villages and hinterland hamlets, families gathered to welcome Lord Ganesha for the beloved festival of Chovoth.

Rooted in age-old traditions, Chovoth sees entire hamlets coming together to craft elaborate eco-friendly altars called 'matoli', share indigenous produce, and celebrate a deep bond with nature.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday greeted people on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi and prayed that with divine blessings, everyone's efforts meet with success and the nation continues to progress steadily.

देशवासियों को गणेश चतुर्थी की अनंत शुभकामनाएं। विघ्नहर्ता के दर्शन और पूजन का यह पावन पर्व सबके जीवन में नई ऊर्जा और नए उत्साह का संचार करे। उनके दिव्य आशीर्वाद से सभी के प्रयास सफल हों और राष्ट्र निरंतर प्रगति के पथ पर आगे बढ़ता रहे, यही कामना है। गणपति बाप्पा मोरया!… pic.twitter.com/5biHnkWHJ4

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 14, 2026

In a message, the prime minister hoped that this sacred festival of worshipping and seeking the blessings of the "Remover of Obstacles" would infuse new energy and enthusiasm into everyone's lives.

In Karnataka, Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has said Ganeshotsava would be celebrated peacefully and asserted that his government would not restrict the festivities, amid BJP allegations that police were imposing curbs on processions.

Shivakumar on Monday greeted everyone on the occasion of Gauri-Ganesh festival.

ನಾಡಿನ ಸಮಸ್ತ ಜನತೆಗೆ ಗೌರಿ-ಗಣೇಶ ಹಬ್ಬದ ಹಾರ್ದಿಕ ಶುಭಾಶಯಗಳು.

ವಿಘ್ನ ನಿವಾರಕ ಶ್ರೀ ಗಣೇಶನು ಎಲ್ಲರ ಬಾಳಲ್ಲಿ ಸುಖ, ಶಾಂತಿ, ಸಮೃದ್ಧಿ ತರಲಿ ಎಂದು ಆಶಿಸುತ್ತಾ, ನಾಡಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಮಳೆ-ಬೆಳೆ ಸಮೃದ್ಧಿಯಾಗಿ, ರೈತರ ಮುಖದಲ್ಲಿ ಮಂದಹಾಸ ಮೂಡಲಿ ಎಂದು ಪ್ರಾರ್ಥಿಸುತ್ತೇನೆ. pic.twitter.com/gjd27y07xf

— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) September 14, 2026

A large number of devotees thronged temples across Bengaluru on Monday as the city celebrated the Gauri-Ganesh festival with religious fervour and enthusiasm.

At the historic Dodda Ganapathi Temple in Basavanagudi, devotees began arriving early in the morning to offer prayers to Lord Ganesha.

Special pujas, abhisheka, floral decorations and other rituals were performed at the temple, with devotees standing in long queues for darshan.

As many as 42 lake premises/temporary immersion tanks and 659 mobile tanks have been arranged across Bengaluru's five city corporations for the immersion of Lord Ganesh idols during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, the GBA said on Saturday.

(With PTI inputs)