People carry a giant idol of lord Ganesha towards a place of worship ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai. AP

The festival, also known as Ganeshotsav ("festival of Ganesha") is observed in the Hindu calendar month of Bhaadrapada. AP

The date usually falls between 19 August and 15 September. AP

While celebrated all over India, it is most elaborate in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Goa. AP

Two to three months before Ganesh Chaturthi, artistic plaster of Paris (originally clay) models of Lord Ganesha are made for sale by specially skilled artisans. AP

Traditional stories tell that Lord Ganesha was created by goddess Parvati, consort of Lord Shiva. AP

Ganesh Chaturthi was being celebrated as a public event in Pune since the times of Shivaji (1630-80), the founder of the Maratha Empire. AP

In 1893, Lokmanya Tilak transformed the annual domestic festival into a large, well-organized public event. AP

An artist giving finishing touches to lord Ganesha's idol. AP

Hindu devotees celebrate the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Paris. AP

Hindu devotees celebrate the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Paris. AP

Hindu devotees celebrate the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Paris. AP

An artist places an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, for sale for the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi festival, in Jammu. AP