why do we celebrate ganesh chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated to mark the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed Hindu deity revered as the remover of obstacles, the god of wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings. The festival, observed with great devotion and enthusiasm primarily in India, honors Lord Ganesha's significance in Hindu mythology and symbolizes spiritual, cultural, and social unity. It usually spans ten days, reflecting various rituals and the collective cultural experience associated with Ganesha's life and blessings. The celebration is rooted in stories from Hindu legends, especially the creation of Ganesha by Goddess Parvati and his subsequent revival with an elephant head by Lord Shiva. It also highlights Ganesha's role as both a creator and remover of obstacles, underscoring the duality of life and the balance between good and evil. Ganesh Chaturthi is seen as a time for fresh beginnings, seeking divine blessings for success and prosperity in new ventures, and fostering unity among communities, a tradition popularized during India's freedom movement.