English: Ganesh Chaturthi (or Ganapati festival) is a very popular festival in India. A Ganesh idol made of special clay is brought home.

Ganapati Pooja is popularised by India’s national leader Bal Gangadhar Tilak since the days India’s freedom struggle.

The preparations begin atleast one week before the ‘Bhadrapada shukla chaturthi‘ a day on the Hindu calendar which normally occurs in August or September of every year. There are three aspects to the preparation.

1. Mantapa (Mandapa) - (Covered structure on pillars) This is a structure normally made of wood, which is decorated, and the Ganesha idol sits inside this mantapa. Mantapa is decorated to look alike a temple. The home entrance is decorated with mango leaves and flowers too.

2. Fruit basket This is an assortment of fruits, vegetables and a coconut tied to a structure in a neat and organized fashion and hung from the top just infront of the mantap.

3. Food preparations

Modak,is are the most basic offerings to Ganesha. Many people add other sweets too.