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In September 2009, millions of Hindus floodedMumbais streets to celebrate the annual festival,Ganesh Chaturthi.

The festival is in honour of the much-loved LordGanesh, known as the remover of the obstacles.For l0 days the elephant god is worshiped at thecitys many mandals, where statues of the idolreach up to 25 feet tall.

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Believers hoping for their wishes to come true willmake offerings of flowers, food, money, gold andsilver in celebration of Ganeshs birthday.

Worshipers also perform pujas (prayers),celebrate with music and dancing, and some evenhost elaborate dinners for the poor.

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On the 11 th day, the Ganesh statues are takenthrough the streets, accompanied by millions of devotees chanting Ganaptahi Bappa Morya,Purchya Varshi Laukarva (O father Ganesh,come again early next year).

Drums beat wildly, fireworks fill the air anddancing takes over the citys roads, as acolourful farewell to Ganesh.

The god is then taken to river or sea for the finalday of immersion.

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The ritual has recently been criticised for beingenvironmentally damaging, with giant Plaster of Paris statues polluting the citys beaches andwashing up on shores for weeks to come.

However, the immersion is important for thefaithful, who believe the sea symbolises the finalgoodbye to Ganesh, with the water washing awaythe misfortune of his followers.

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