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.

Mumbai today welcomed its favourite elephant-headed Lord Ganesh as the 10-day Ganpati festival began amid tight security. The aarti and sthapan puja were held in various pandals to mark the commencement of the festival. The ten-day Ganesh festival began with the installation of the Ganpati idols in Sarvajanik pandals and households. The iconic 78-year-old 'Lalbaugcha' Raja, 58-year-old GSB seva mandal of King's Circle, the Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samiti in Wadala and Khetwadi Ganpati are some of the prestigious mandals in the city.People utilised their holiday today to visit family and friends. Those who installed the Lord at home thronged the markets to make purchases to accord Lord Ganesha a grand welcome with 'modaks', 'karanjis' and 'laddoos'.Politicians and filmstars too joined the common man in celebrating the festival. The administration has made available additional BEST and MSTRC bus services for benefit of the citizens. The “Fort Vibhaag Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal”, one of the oldest in the Fort area of south Mumbai, has decided to highlight the cause of organ donation by providing information about it through pamphlets, posters and documentaries.