Chavithi

Chavithi, also known as Vinayaka Chavithi or Ganesh Chaturthi, is a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom and remover of obstacles. The name Chavithi derives from the Telugu term for the fourth day of the lunar fortnight (chaturthi). The festival is most widely observed in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, as well as by Hindu communities worldwide. It generally occurs in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August–September) according to the Hindu calendar, though the exact date is determined by the lunar cycle.

Rituals: Devotees install clay idols of Ganesha in homes and public pandals; the idol is worshiped over a period of days with offerings of flowers, durva grass, coconut, red sandalwood, and modaks; daily prayers, recitation of popular mantras such as Om Gan Ganapataye Namah, and aarti. The festival typically lasts about 10 days, culminating in a procession and immersion of the idol in a body of water on Anant Chaturdashi or, in some regions, on Vijayadashami. Public celebrations feature elaborate pandals, music, and dances, especially in urban centers.

Background and modern context: The festival was popularized by the social reformer Bal Gangadhar Tilak in the late 19th century as a means of fostering social unity and national identity. In recent decades, there has been a growing emphasis on environmental concerns, with a push toward clay idols and eco-friendly immersion to reduce water pollution. The observance also includes community events, charitable activities, and a focus on accessibility and inclusion.