Ganeśh Chathurthhi is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganeśha who is believed to bestow his presence on earth to bless his devotees on this occasion. The festival is also referred as Vināyaka Chathurthhior Vināyaka Chauthi in Sanskrit, Tamil, Kannada and Telugu. It falls in the month of Bhādrapadha (Hindhu calendar), starting on the Śhukla Chathurthhi (fourth day of the waxing moon period) which might be sometime between August 20 and September 15 every year.

The festival is celebrated with great fervour by the Hindhus all over India and one can witness the height of its celebrations in Mahārāṣhtra, Gujarāth, Karṇāṭaka and Āndhra Pradeśh, and other areas which were former states of the Marāṭha Empire, also Newars in Nepāl celebrate this festival.

Traditional Hindhu stories convey that Lord Ganeśha was given life by Goddess Pārvathi, (consort of Lord Śhiva) out of the sandalwood paste which she used for bathing. She set him as a guard at her door when she bathed. At that time, Lord Śhiva was about to enter and Ganeśha did not permit him to do so. Lord Śhiva was enraged and he chopped the head of Ganeśha and later he realized that he had beheaded his own son. Hence he replaced Ganeśha’s head with an elephant’s head. Lord Ganeśha is worshipped as the supreme god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune.

On the occasion, beautifully sculptured Ganeśha’s idol is decorated with garlands and placed for worship in colourful houses and manṭapas (Panḍāls). The worship lasts for an odd number of days (from 1 to 11 days, sometimes 13). An exclusive sweet dish called modhaka (made of rice flour stuffed with coconut, jaggery and some other condiments) is prepared to offer God. Also, another similar dish called karanji is prepared in the shape of the fourth day moon. This festival also provides a platform for the artists to exhibit their art pieces to the public. Public celebration, cultural programmes add colour to the festival.

There are five "Gaṇapathis of Honour." worshipped by the people of Puṇe in Mahārāṣhtra

• First Gaṇapathi of Honour - Kasbā Gaṇapathi;
• Second Gaṇapathi of Honour - Thambāḍi Jogeśhwari;
• Third Gaṇapathi of Honour - Guruji Thālīm;
• Fourth Gaṇapathi of Honour - Thulsibaug Gaṇapathi; and
• Fifth Gaṇapathi of Honour - Kesariwāḍa Gaṇapathi.

Bhajans are sung during the prayers and Ārthis are performed. People visit friends and relatives to exchange greetings and happiness.