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.