Ganesh Chaturthi, a festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, is a time for joy, prosperity, and spiritual devotion. On this day, people welcome Ganesha into their homes by installing his idol and offering prayers. This year, the auspicious time for installing the idol falls between 11:10 AM and 1:39 PM on September 7th, 2024. During the 10 days of celebrations, devotees observe various rituals, including daily prayers and offerings. Certain practices are considered inauspicious, such as offering dry flowers, Tulsi, or Ketki flowers. It’s also recommended to avoid keeping the house dark and to always have a light lit near the idol. Ensure the idol includes a mouse, as it is Ganesha’s vehicle, and always place the idol in a seated position, symbolizing wealth. The left-sided tusked Ganesha, known as Vamuki Ganesha, is believed to be particularly auspicious. If you plan to immerse the idol before the full 10 days, consider performing the rituals for a shorter period, such as three or five days, before immersing it on an auspicious day.