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As the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is inching closer, preparations are gaining momentum across the country. Also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, it will be celebrated on August 31st this year. It is a Hindu festival in which people celebrate the arrival of Lord Ganesh, son of Lord Shiva, to earth from Kailash Parvat with his mother Goddess Parvati. In homes, people install small statues of Lord Ganesh. Huge statuses are also installed inside elaborate pandals in different parts of the country. Chanting of Vedic hymns, Hindu texts (such as prayers) and fasting are all part of the festival. In public venues, at some places, athletic and martial arts competitions are also held.Also read Ganesh Chaturthi 2022: Know Shubh Muhrat, Mantras to chant, and moreOn the tenth day, the festival ends. With music and group chanting, the idol is carried in a public procession and then immersed in a nearby lake, river or sea. Here’s a glimpse of the preparations across India:
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An artist colors an idol of Hindu god Ganesha being prepared for sale ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi festival, in Jammu, India, Monday, Aug. 22, 2022. The idols are in demand ahead of the festival that celebrates the birthday of the elephant headed god. (AP Photo)
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An artist colors an idol of Riddhi, consort of Hindu god Ganesha being prepared for sale ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi festival, in Jammu, India, Monday, Aug. 22, 2022. The idols are in demand ahead of the festival that celebrates the birthday of the elephant headed god. (AP Photo)
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An artist carries an idol of Hindu god Ganesha to display for sale ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi festival, in Jammu, India, Monday, Aug. 22, 2022. The idols are in demand ahead of the festival that celebrates the birthday of the elephant headed god. (AP Photo)
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A girl carries an idol of Hindu godGaneshabeing prepared for sale ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi festival, in Jammu, India, Monday, Aug. 22, 2022. The idols are in demand ahead of the festival that celebrates the birthday of the elephant headed god. (AP Photo)
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An artisan prepares an eco-friendly idol of elephant-headed Hindu god Ganesha ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Hyderabad, India, Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022. (AP Photo)
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An artisan prepares eco-friendly idols of elephant-headed Hindu god Ganesha ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Hyderabad, India, Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022. (AP Photo)
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New Delhi: An artist gives final touches to an idol of Lord Ganesha ahead of the upcoming ‘Ganesh Chaturthi’ festival, in New Delhi, Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022. (PTI Photo)
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Gurugram: An artist gives final touches to an idol of Lord Ganesha ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival at Vyapar Sadan, in Gurugram, Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022. (PTI Photo)
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Mumbai: Devotees load an idol of Lord Ganesha in a train for transportation to Surat city, ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, at Mumbai Central Railway Station in Mumbai, Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022. (PTI Photo)