Ans :- In homes of Maharashtra, the families install small and colorful clay statues of Lord Ganesha to be worshipped during the festival. Flowers and durva or the young grass, karanji and modaks are offered during the morning and evening worshipping sessions. In Maharashtra, the Marathi aarti composed by the 17th century saint Samarth Ramdas "Sukhakarta Dukhaharta" is sung in honor of Lord Ganesha. The families decide when to end the celebration and that obviously varies. If Ganesha is worshipped at home, the festival may end after 1 and a half, 3, 5, 7, or 11 days depending on the wish of the host. In Maharashtra, one would also see Hartalika that is observed with a fast by the women of the fmailies on the day prior to Ganesh Chaturthi. Gauri festival also occurs here with installation of idols of Gauri which is the other name of Devi Durga.

In Konkani culture of Goa, this Ganesh Chaturthi is known as Chavath or Parab or Parva. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is worshipped by the fasting womenfolk of the family. Ghumots, Pakhavaj or two headed drum, and crash cymbals are played all through the rituals. The very next day is kept for Navyachi Pancham when fresh paddy from new harvest is brought from the fields to continue the worship. During this festival people turn strictly vegetarian.

Gowri festival precedes Ganesh Chaturthi in Karnataka while in Andhra Pradesh, Matti Vinayakudu ie. Clay statues of Lord Ganesha and Siddhi Vinayakudu ie. Turmeric statue of Lord Ganesha are worshipped at home with Plaster of Paris idols.

Ganesh Chaturthi in public:

Local groups of youth, association of people or clubs, or a group of businessmen or tradespeople organize Ganesh festival in a large way. Funds are collected from public or donations are given by rich people. The idols or statues of Lord Ganesha are then brought into mandaps or pandals and a series cultural programs are followed. Free medical check-up, blood donation camp, distribution of food, sweet, and clothing to the poor and needy also form a part of the festival if organized by clubs or groups. Just like the huge show of Dusshera in West Bengal, this Ganesh Chaturthi festival is something more than the religious significance. There is an economic angle to it also. In Mumbai, Pune, Surat, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru, many artists, industrialists, and businessmen find a profitable way of income for this festiva