Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is a sacred Hindu festival celebrated to honor the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings. The celebration involves installing beautifully crafted Ganesha idols at homes and public places, followed by prayers, offerings, and devotional songs. The puja begins with the Pranapratishtha ritual, invoking the divine presence into the idol, followed by Shodashopachara (16 steps of honoring), including offering flowers, sweets (especially Modaks), and chanting mantras. The festival is observed with great enthusiasm across India, especially in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.