Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi (Ganeshotsav) celebrates Lord Ganesha, traditionally revered as the deity of wisdom, auspicious beginnings and the remover of obstacles (Vighnaharta). It falls on Shukla Chaturthi of the Hindu month Bhadrapada, usually August–September. (Maharashtra Tourism)
What happens during Ganeshotsav?
The festival begins with Ganpati Sthapana—an idol of Ganesha is ceremonially brought into a home or public mandal/pandal and installed. Families perform puja and aarti, offer flowers and durva grass, and prepare naivedya, especially modak, traditionally regarded as Ganesha’s favourite sweet. (Maharashtra Tourism)
Ganpati doesn’t necessarily stay for the full festival in every household. Depending on family tradition, visarjan may take place after 1½, 3, 5, 7 or more days, while the major public celebrations continue until Anant Chaturdashi. (Maharashtra Tourism)
The farewell is Ganesh Visarjan. The idol is taken in procession and immersed, symbolically marking Ganesha’s departure and anticipated return the following year. (Incredible India)
Why Maharashtra’s celebration is particularly famous
Ganesh worship is ancient, but the large community Ganeshotsav became especially important in Maharashtra in the late 19th century. Bal Gangadhar Tilak helped transform the celebration into a major public gathering during the independence movement, using it to bring communities together under colonial rule. Maharashtra Tourism dates this transformation to 1893, while its Pune history page discusses the beginning of public Ganeshotsav in Pune around 1892—so you’ll encounter both dates depending on what milestone is being described. (Maharashtra Tourism)
That’s part of why Maharashtra’s Ganeshotsav today isn’t only religious. Public mandals commonly combine worship with music, dhol-tasha, decorations, art, cultural programmes and social initiatives. (Maharashtra Tourism)
Gauri is connected with the festival too
In many Maharashtrian families, Gauri Aagman occurs during Ganeshotsav. Goddess Gauri, associated with Parvati, is welcomed into the home, often represented by two forms called Jyeshtha and Kanishtha. Special food, decorations and puja accompany her stay. (Maharashtra Tourism)
And interestingly, you’re asking during Ganeshotsav 2026
This year’s Ganesh Chaturthi was Monday, 14 September 2026, and Maharashtra’s ten-day celebrations culminate with Anant Chaturdashi/major visarjan on 25 September 2026 — today. (Akashvani News)
Ganpati Bappa Morya! Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya! 
My friend is from Bihar. THey never had ganpati celebrations as Chhath PIuja is their celebration. She is settles in mUmbai the cosmopolitan city like me since birth. Her parents migrated from Bihar to Maharshtra years ago and now they have also started celebrating ganpati.