Long-drawn celebrations and festivities are a part of the social and cultural fabric of India. Among the many religious and social customs that mark the diverse festive calendar of Indians is a very important religious occasion – Ganesha Chaturthi celebration is about the birth of the Elephant-headed god, Ganesha. It is celebrated with enthusiasm, especially in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.

The Festival
Ganesha Chaturthi in most places in India is a day to invoke brass Ganesha idol, the god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. On this day, devotees worship brass Ganpati idol, perform the aarti and offer prasad of fruits and sweets, especially modak, which is considered the favorite of Lord Ganesha. In several places, big and small, clay idols of Ganesha are made months in advance, and thousands of devotees take them home to worship. It is customary to immerse these idols in water once the festivities are over with a prayer requesting the god to visit his devotees again the following year.

In Maharashtra
Ganesha Chaturthi is especially popular in Maharashtra, where the festival was invoked by the Maratha ruler Shivaji and then reinstated by political thinker and freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak. The festivities here last for about ten days. Ganesha or brass Ganesh Ji idol is welcomed into homes and massive pandals in the form of beautiful clay idols. Several pandals in Mumbai compete against one another by setting up larger and more impressive idols; there are also prizes to be won for the best pandal. It is a time for devotion and prayer with individual households organizing an evening aarti with songs and hymns. Women dress up in the best of their saris and jewellery and make beautiful rangolis outside their homes. This is also a time for family gatherings, visiting friends, relatives, and neighbor.

So here are the important tips by Vastu experts Reecha Sharma and Chetan Sharma for placing your Ganapati murti!

• Direction: Ganesh idol shall be seated in the North East, North, or East direction and never in the South, South West, or South-East part of the home or office area.

• Placement: Put the Idol so that the back of lord Ganesha faces the outside of the home. Ensure that the idol is not placed near the toilet or a wall adjoined with the washroom/toilet.

Also, if you live in Villa/Bungalow, avoid placement under the staircase at any cost.

• Position - Ganpati statue should be in a sitting position so that God stays in your home. Whereas for pandals, it could be in a standing position.

• Trunk positioning - While placing the Ganesha in the home, ensure that the idol's trunk is tilted left, as it is believed that deity with the trunk tilted right is hard to please.

• Other elements - The Ganesh statue shall be loaded with his favorite elements such as a mouse, known as his conveyance, and laddoo/modak, his favorite sweet.