The festival
Ganesha Chaturthi falls on Shukla Chaturthi of Bhadrapada month. Families install a clay Ganesha idol at home and worship it for one and a half, three, five, seven or eleven days before immersion.
Pranapratishtha
The idol is not worshipped as clay — it is invoked. Pranapratishtha is the rite by which the divine presence is invited into the image. This is why the idol should not be moved carelessly once installed, and why visarjan matters: the presence is respectfully returned.
The 21 patri
Ganapati is offered 21 varieties of leaves, each with its own mantra — durva, bilva, shami, arka, tulasi and others. Durva grass in particular is offered in bunches of three or five blades. Our Standard and Elaborate kits include the full patri set.
Naivedya
Modaka is the classic offering — 21 is the traditional count. Ladoo, panchakajjaya and fruit are also offered.
Visarjan
Immerse in a natural water body or a designated tank. Clay idols dissolve; painted plaster idols do not, and many cities now restrict them. An eco-friendly clay idol is both the traditional and the practical choice. Before immersion, a short uttarapooja is performed to take formal leave.