One of the biggest Hindu festivals, Ganesh Chaturthi, is celebrated all over the world as the birthday of Lord Vinayaka, or Lord Ganapathi. Shiva and Parvati’s son, Lord Ganapathi, was born on this day. As a “Vigna Harta” (one who removes obstacles) and a “Buddhi Pradayaka,” he is adored as a symbol of knowledge, wealth, and good fortune (one who grants intelligence). Shukla Chaturthi is the date of Gautam Buddha Jayanti in the Hindu month of Bhadra (Ganesh Chaturthi Shukla Jayanti). People place Vinayaka idols in their homes and communities as a form of devotion to the god. How long it takes depends on where you live and what traditions you adhere to. All over Bangalore, colourful and musical processions take place on the final day of the festival, where idols are immersed in water.