Festive fervour has gripped Assam as devotees across the state gear up to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with prayers, colourful decorations and community gatherings. From homes to public pandals, preparations are underway to welcome Lord Ganesha, with devotees seeking blessings for prosperity, wisdom and the removal of obstacles.

Ganesh Chaturthi marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed Hindu deity revered as the god of wisdom, knowledge, prosperity and good fortune. The festival is observed on the fourth day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada in the Hindu calendar.

Across Assam, beautifully decorated Ganesha idols are being installed at various locations. Special prayers, aartis and cultural programmes form part of the celebrations, while devotees offer durva grass, flowers, fruits and laddus to the deity.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha was created by Goddess Parvati and later received an elephant head from Lord Shiva. His distinctive form is regarded as a symbol of wisdom, strength and intelligence.

While Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on a grand scale in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, the festival has also become increasingly popular in Assam, bringing communities together in an atmosphere of devotion and celebration.

The festivities traditionally conclude with Ganesh Visarjan, when devotees carry the idols in colourful processions before immersing them in water. The ritual symbolises the return of the divine form to nature.

Beyond its religious significance, Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates faith, wisdom, unity and social harmony, strengthening the spirit of community across Assam and beyond.