India's bustling and well-known Ganesh Chaturthi festival honours Lord Ganesha, the elephant God, who is worshiped as the God of wisdom, good fortune and prosperity. Ganesha idols are installed everywhere in these cities during the festival, and prayers are offered through the day. Thomas Cook and SOTC Travel have curated a list of 10 states/cities in India where Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with extreme fanfare and if possible, we suggest you don't miss them this year. The list is in no particular order. (Image: Reuters)
No 1. City: Mumbai | Mumbai is known for its epic Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Massive Ganesha idols, ornate decorations, and spectacular processions bring the city to life. The Arabian Sea idol immersion is a highlight that draws a sizable number of people. (Image: Reuters)
No 2. City: Pune | The city is known for its rich cultural legacy and its Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Throughout the festival, the city hosts a large number of pandals (temporary decorative buildings) and holds a number of cultural events. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 3. City: Hyderabad | Huge processions with finely carved idols highlight Hyderabad's Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. The towering and beautifully crafted idols of the Khairatabad Ganesh are especially well known. (Image: Reuters)
No 4. City: Kolkata | While Ganesh Chaturthi is not as well-known in Kolkata as it is in other regions of India, the city nevertheless sees some lovely decorations and celebrations, frequently fusing the event with local culture. (Image: Reuters)
No 5. City: Delhi | Ganesh Chaturthi is enthusiastically observed in the capital city. Ganesha idols can be found in numerous pandals and temples, and the festival spirit permeates the entire city. (Image: Reuters)
No 6. City: Chennai | The Ganesh Chaturthi festivities in Chennai are a blend of tradition and fun. In addition to processions, idols are kept in the Kapaleeshwarar Temple and other nearby temples. (Image: Reuters)
No 7. State: Goa | Ganesh Chaturthi is enthusiastically observed in Goa. After the event, many villages construct lovely pandals and submerge the idols in rivers or the sea. (Representational Image: Reuters)
No 8. City: Nashik | Nashik celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi with colorful processions and imaginative idols. An important event is the submersion of the idols in the Godavari River. (Image: Reuters)
No 9. City: Bengaluru | The southern Indian city hosts a variety of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, including neighborhood fairs and private homes with idols. Important locations include the Bull Temple and the Dodda Ganesh Temple. (Image: Reuters)
No 10. City: Jaipur | The popularity of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Jaipur is growing. A magnificent display of decorations and public processions mark the celebration. (Representational Image: Reuters)