Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the most cherished festivals, celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom and prosperity. Observed with grandeur especially in Maharashtra and southern states, devotees install clay idols in homes and pandals, offer prayers and relish modak. The festivities last 1 to 11 days and conclude with visarjan, the immersion of idols in water symbolizing Ganesha ’s return to his abode while blessing devotees with wisdom, prosperity and hope.