The Vinayagar Chathurthi, the birth day of Lord Ganesha, the god of Wisdom and Prosperity was celebrated in the union territory of Pudhucherry with religious fervour and traditional gaiety. A large number of people were seen buying clay idols of Lord Ganesha in markets to be installed for special poojas in their homes. People made a beeline to the famous shrine of Manakula Vinayagar in the heart of the city from early morning. The presiding deity of the temple was adorned with American diamond studded crown and gold kavasam made up of nine kilo grams of gold. A special abishegam with 27 items including milk and flowers was performed and the deity would be taken around the main streets of the town. The festival would continue for five days after which over hundred clay idols of Lord Ganesha installed in various places in Pudhucherry would be taken out in procession and immersed in sea. Elaborate security arrangements are made in the town for the occasion.

The Ganesh Chaturthi festival is being celebrated in Mumbai with religious enthusiasm and fervour. The city will be immersed in the 10 day long Ganeshotsav celebrations marking profound devotion and love for Lord Ganesha. Mumbai woke up to the chanting of Ganpatibappa Moraya as Idols of Lord Ganesha were brought home and at Pandals by enthusiastic devotees. Ganesh idols were installed at the auspicious hour as per the Hindu calendar and the 'pran pratishthapana' puja was performed. There is a spectacular display of decorations and art work at Ganesh Pandals at various locations in the city. The prominent Ganesh mandlas in the city include, the Ganesh Galli, Andhericha Raja, Shree Sarvajanik Ganesh Ustav Sansthan in Girgaum. Instituted by Lokmanya Tilak way back in 1893, the first sarvajanik Ganeshotsav of Mumbai still hosts a small over 2-foot idol. Artisans have created some fantastic replicas of temples and palaces at Ganesh Galli one of the biggest mandals in Mumbai. Keeping environmental concerns in mind, many devotees have decided to go eco-friendly with as many as 11 major Ganesh mandals in the city hosting clay idols this year. Pandals across Mumbai are thematically representing various social issues that the city faces through paintings and decorations. Devotees are also flocking to Lalbaug to get a first glimpse of Mumbai's most celebrated Ganesh idol, 'Lalbaug Cha Raja'