Lord Ganesh's homecoming is celebrated in the month of Bhadra, according to the Hindu calendar, which typically falls in the months of August or September. The festival ends on the tenth day of bringing him home, to signify his return to Mount Kailash to his parents Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most colorful and exciting 10-day long celebrations. Ganeshotsav or Vinayaka Chaturthi is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm in order to commemorate Lord Ganesh's birthday. Ganesh Chaturthi is observed by installing Lord Ganesh's idol at home for a period of 10 days after which it is immersed in the river. The visarjan is followed by loud chanting of 'Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudcha Varshi Lokar Ya', which means 'Lord Ganesha, come back soon next year.'

According to the yogic principles, our material life as well as our spiritual journey starts from the 'Muladhara' chakra which is controlled by Lord Ganesha. Hence, to complete our life cycle without any obstacles, we need the blessings of Lord Ganesha. Since He is the one who gets rid of all the obstacles from our lives, we worship Lord Ganesha before beginning any important work.

It is believed that Goddess Parvati created little Ganesh using the dirt off her body while having a bath and sent him to guard the door while she was bathing. Lord Shiva, who had gone out, returned at that time. Unknowingly, little Ganesh stopped him from entering. An enraged Lord Shiva severed the head of the little child after a heated argument. Looking at an angered and vexed Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva promised her to give Ganesh a new life. The followers were sent to search for a head; however all they could bring was a head of an elephant. Lord Shiva fixed the elephant's head on the child and brought him back to life. That's how he was named Gajanan.