Vinayaka Chaturthi, or Ganesh Chaturti, is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the God of wisdom, prosperity and auspiciousness in Hinduism. Lord Ganesha is today worshipped around the world and the elephant-faced Hindu god is one of the most popular deities in Hindu religion. The 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi ends with the immersion (Visarjan) of the idol on Ananta Chaturdasi day. Ganesh Chaturthi 2009 date is August 23.
Ganesh Chaturthi is observed on the fourth day after Amavasi (no moon) in the month of Bhadrapada (August - September) as per traditional Hindu calendar.
In Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, Ganesh Chaturthi community festival is celebrated for 10 days. In other parts of India, it is celebrated for one day on the Ganesh Chaturthi day.