History of Ganesh Chaturthi in Timeline

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Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi, a Hindu festival honoring the deity Ganesha, involves installing clay murtis (statues) in homes and public pandals (temporary structures). The festival lasts ten days and includes chanting, prayers, fasting, and offerings of sweets like modak. On the tenth day, Ananta Chaturdashi, the murtis are paraded through the streets with music and chanting before being immersed in water, symbolizing Ganesha's return to his celestial home.

2004: Madras High Court Ruling on Ganesh Idol Immersion

The Madras High Court ruled in 2004 that immersing Ganesh idols is illegal because the chemicals in the idols pollute the seawater.

2005: First Ganesh Chaturthi Celebration in London

In 2005, the Hindu Culture and Heritage Society, based in Southall, organized the first-ever Ganesh Chaturthi celebration in London at the Vishwa Hindu Temple. The idol was immersed in the River Thames at Putney Pier.