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Location : Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan

Venue : Ranthambore Fort

Months of Celebration : August, September

Period of Celebration : Three days

Category : Religion/Culture

Deity : Lord Ganesha

Upcoming Event : 1st September, 2011

How to reach there : Buses and trains form Jaipur.

Ganesh Chaturthi is a sacred festival of Hindus that is celebrated with zest and devotion in all over India. But the festivities at Sawai Madhopur are somewhat special. Marking the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha, celebrating this religious event has become inherent in the lives of people who dedicate this festival to their god of prosperity with full reverence.

Highlights of this festival

The festivities take place at Ganesha Temple in the majestic Ranthambore Fort. As Ganesha is considered auspicious, it is considered sacred to send the first marriage invitation to this deity. According to the ritual, thousands of marriage invitations are sent to this temple daily. The Lord is requested to attend the marriage ceremony of their loved ones. Some devotees even send some money along with the invitation cards as they believe that their god will be able to spend this money as his fare.

There are many religious rites and rituals that take place inside the temple. People sing devotional "bhajans" and do "kirtans" in the temple premises. The idol of the deity is painted in bright orange color and decorated with sparkling ornaments. It is also offered garlands that are made of flowers of marigold. Some people observe fast on Ganesh Chaturthi. They lit "agarbattis" i.e. incensed sticks, offer a lot of eatables and other items. After all the religious ceremonies are over, the sacred idol of Ganesha is immersed in holy waters. The markets at Ranthambore sell idols of deities, eatables, and other pieces of antiquities.

Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations reflect the deep religious sentiments that are inherent in the Culture of Rajasthan.