Vinayagar Chaturthi (Ganesh Chaturthi/Pillayar Chaturthi)

Vinayaka Chaturthi is the great Vinayagar festival and also the birthday of Lord Vinayagar or Pillaiyar. Vinayaka Chaturthi also known as "Ganesh Chaturthi" in Maharashtra and North Indian States. Vinayakar chaturthi festival is observed in the Tamil Month "Avanai-Valarpirai Chathurthi” or (4th day after new moon in Aavani) is special day for Elephant headed Lord Shri Vinayaka. The elephant headed vinayagar son of Shiva and Parvati, is widely worshipped as the supreme god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune.

Vinayaka Chaturthi Festival celebrate with clay Idol of Lord Vinayagar. Those Vinayagar Idol installed in home and street corners and performed pooja. For pooja we may require a small flower garland made of villva leaves and arugam pullu,we can also use erukampoo garland if available. Some will worship home made ganesh idols, many will buy moulded one from shops. Small decorated umbrella's are kept behind the idol, to make lord more decorative.In some houses,special small towels (pillayar thundu) will be placed around ganesh idol. Vinayagar stotra performed during Vinayaka Chaturthi pooja. On the 11th day, Vinayagar idols throught the streets in a procession with dance and songs to immersed in sea or river or well.

This year Vinayaka Chaturti is on 9th September.