India (Commonwealth Union)_ Ganesh Chaturthi, one of India’s grandest festivals, marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed God known as the remover of barriers and bestower of wisdom, wealth, and new beginnings. The event lasts ten days and ends with Anant Chaturdashi, also known as Ganesh Visarjan, where Ganesha idols are brought in colorful processions and submerged in water, indicating a respectful departure till next year. Pandals, or temples and communal buildings, will be alive with prayers, songs, and cultural events. Families and friends will gather to seek blessings, perform rituals, and immerse themselves in the festive energy that pulses through neighborhoods during this auspicious time.
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A message from the Prime Minister
On August 27, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm Ganesh Chaturthi wishes to the entire nation. Posting on X, he wrote in Hindi: “Wishing you all a very Happy Ganesh Chaturthi. May this occasion be filled with faith and devotion and be auspicious for everyone. I pray to Lord Gajanan to bless all his devotees with happiness, peace, and good health. Ganpati Bappa Morya!” His words reflected both tradition and hope for collective well-being.
Mumbai unveils a record-breaking modak
In Mumbai, the atmosphere was joyful and busy. Thousands of devotees visited the popular Shree Siddhivinayak Temple. They arrived from all directions to offer their prayers. Fortune Foods, a part of AWL Agri Business Ltd., made a record-breaking modak weighing 800 kg. This giant treat adds a modern twist to tradition. It is made with traditional ingredients and has been officially recognized by the World Record Book of India as the “Biggest Modak Using Traditional Ingredients.” It is truly a lasting symbol of loyalty and joy.
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Iconic pandals to visit
Throughout India, colorful pandals were set up across the streets. These pandals attracted large crowds because of their unique themes, artistic designs, and spiritual energy. The celebrations will move to Visarjan this weekend with joyful chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya.” Here are some popular pandals that are captivating the audience in 2025.
- Lalbaugcha Raja in Mumbai
This century-old pandal has long served as a symbol of devotion. It was founded in 1934 by the Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, acting as the emotional center of Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai.
- Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati in Pune
This ancient pandal, a renowned tourist destination in its own right, will pay tribute to its past in 2025. It was inspired by Kerala’s famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The blend of ancient dedication and stunning beauty created something truly unique.
- Delhi Maharaja in New Delhi
This year’s theme, Operation Sindoor, was brought to life in Laxmi Nagar with an environmentally friendly design and breathtaking vistas. There were perfect duplicates of the Agni and Akash missiles. The end project demonstrated great patriotism, skillful craftsmanship, and concern for the environment.
- Indu Munani’s Ganesh Chaturthi in Chennai
This wonderful pandal combined creativity and community. The idol was created from 5,000 books, 2,000 of which were in Tamil. After the celebrations, these books will be given to locals, showing a real commitment to sharing knowledge.
- Khairatabad Ganesh Utsav in Hyderabad
This upward-reaching pandal, marking its 71st year in 2025, had a 69-foot statue of Lord Ganesha. With a theme of world peace and togetherness, the decorations projected messages of harmony and optimism, cementing its status as one of South India’s most memorable festivities.
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Preparing a home puja
Many families celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi by creating a quiet, reverent ceremony at home. Here’s a simple and useful process:
- Clean and position
Begin with a clean and peaceful location. Place an eco-friendly clay Ganesha statue facing east or north.
- Decorate thoughtfully
Create a spiritual mood by using fresh flowers, mango or banana leaves, and rangoli decorations, as well as lighting an oil lamp.
- Invocation
Begin by making a courteous invitation to Lord Ganesha and symbolically offering him a seat.
- Offerings and rituals
Follow a sequence of offerings: water to wash his feet and hands, even a little sipping water, then bathe the idol with Ganga water, milk, or Panchamrit (a sacred blend). Offer new clothes (avoiding black and white), the sacred thread, sandalwood paste, fragrance, flowers, incense, light, food, and betel leaves with nuts.
- Prayers and songs
Continue with arati (ritual singing and worship) and bhajans (devotional songs), as well as prasad (blessed food), every day till the immersion.
- Fasting (optional)
Devotees can choose a light fast that includes fruits and water or a grain-free diet while listening to the Vrat Katha. This festive story promotes spiritual connection.
- Closing gesture
Finish the ceremony with a graceful circumambulation, or pradakshina, to show appreciation to Lord Ganesha.
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Festive treats worth enjoying
No Ganesh Chaturthi is complete without its traditional sweets and snacks, each bite filled with cultural significance:
- Lord Ganesha loves modak, a tasty dumpling filled with coconut and jaggery.
- Puran Poli is a delicious flatbread cooked from chana dal and jaggery.
- Ukadiche Modak, or steamed modak, is a popular sweet in Maharashtra.
- Patoli is a Goan specialty made with rice flour, coconut, and jaggery cooked in turmeric leaves.
- Ladoos are often flavored with besan (gram flour) or coconut. They are known for their rich taste and history.
Ganesh Chaturthi beyond Indian borders
The spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi reaches well beyond India. Many parts of South and Southeast Asia observe this festival with their own cultural interpretations:
- Nepal: Honored as Vinayaka Chaturthi.
- Indonesia (Bali): Integrated into Balinese Hindu rituals.
- Thailand: Known as Phra Phikanet.
- Japan: Celebrated as Kangiten.
- Cambodia has customs that go back centuries to the Khmer Empire.
- In Malaysia, Tamil Hindus observe these traditions and maintain strong cultural connections.
Bollywood and celebrity moments
India’s film stars added a colorful sparkle to the festivities. Many shared heartfelt greetings, snapshots of their personal puja decor, and festive moments on social media:
- Bollywood stars, including Priyanka Chopra, Akshay Kumar, Karan Johar, Suniel Shetty, Kareena Kapoor Khan, actor-filmmaker Kunal Kemmu, Soha Ali Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Ajay Devgn, Arjun Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Urmila Matondkar, Sonu Sood, Hansika Motwani, and choreographer Dhanashree Verma, celebrated the festival and conveyed their wishes on social media.
- Known for their grandeur and twinning tradition with national festivities, the Ambani family also welcomed Lord Ganesha with joy.
India’s grand festival
Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 was a mix of devotion, community spirit, artistic displays, and meaningful tradition. It featured everything from Mumbai’s record-breaking modak to heartfelt home pujas shared on social media. Whether celebrated in grand pandals or with simple clay idols at home, in India or abroad, the festival’s core values remain the same: knowledge, unity, creativity, and sacred beginnings. May Lord Ganesha’s blessings guide each heart toward peace, joy, and new opportunities.
