Ganesh Chaturthi (गणेश चतुर्थी) — "the fourth day of the month of Bhadrapada" — celebrates the birth of Ganesha (Ganesh, Vinayaka, Pillaiyar), the elephant-headed god of beginnings, wisdom, and removal of obstacles. The festival typically falls in late August or early September and lasts for 10 days (Anant Chaturdashi being the final day). Ganesha is invoked at the start of all auspicious activities — examinations, journeys, business ventures, ceremonies, and pujas. His birthday is therefore the
Festivals