Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations begin as leaders extend greetings

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended greetings to devotees on Ganesh Chaturthi on September 14, praying for happiness, prosperity and fulfilment of aspirations and saying, "May every obstacle be removed by the grace of Ganpati Bappa, every resolve be fulfilled, and every life overflow with happiness, prosperity, and auspiciousness." Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also offered wishes, invoking Lord Ganesha as the remover of obstacles and deity of wisdom and intellect and adding, "Ganpati Bappa Morya." The article notes Ganesh Chaturthi marks Lord Ganesha's birth and is observed across India with devotees bringing idols to homes and public pandals, offering prayers, sweets and flowers, and staging cultural programmes. This year's festival began on September 14 and will conclude with Anant Chaturdashi on September 25, when immersion processions carry idols back to water as part of the ritual.