Why we must celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesha represents the Sakar Sagun form of God, who is approachable; a guide you can lean on in times of need, and a master, who presides over ceremonies. At times form, too, comes from the formless and has to merge with it.
Ganesha’s belly represents the cosmos, indicating inclusivity that leaves none behind whether it's people, thoughts, or identities.It represents Ganesha’s power of assimilation; he is the master of ceremonies attending to all who come to his fold irrespective of their leanings and backgrounds. His large ears are indicative of how deeply he listens to prayers and is responsive to the needs of those who pray to him. His trunk is symbolic of wisdom and power to overcome challenges, hence, Ganesha is also addressed as Vignaharta, the remover of obstacles. He is propitiated with the mantra: Vakratunda Mahakaya Surya Koti Samaprabha Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada roughly translating into “Salutations to God, who has a curved trunk; who has a huge body and radiates the splendour of a million suns; please bless me and guide me towards accomplishing my goals without obstacles, always!”
When the 10-day Ganapati festival begins, devotees bring home a clay statue of Ganesha that silently witnesses the celebrations.
His presence amidst loved ones is celebrated with great joy; he is served modakas, a sweet made of rice flour, jaggery and coconut. Once the festivities are over, it’s time to bid Ganesha goodbye.
Cycle of birth and death
On the 10th day, the clay murti is taken in a procession to be immersed in water. Ganesha statues are slowly lowered into the sea, river, pond or well. As the clay dissolves, it slowly blends with the water. Similarly, the body, made of five elements, has to one day return to its Source. Once we become aware of this, we get liberated from our sorrows. This takes us closer to the eternal goal of moksha, towards freedom from the cycle of birth and death.

The Ganapati festival is a time when we affirm our close relationship with Ganesha as a God who is not just a dear friend, but also a philosopher and guide who gives us the wisdom we need to overcome our problems. For 10 days, we take care of him, worship him, and share our happiness and sorrow with him and then, just like that, we let him go on the 10th day.
Spirit of detachment
“The best among all is the persons is he who is not disturbed by happiness or distress and is steady in both; such a person is eligible for liberation,” says Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita. So, no clinging to people or things — not even gods, and with that spirit of detachment Ganesha is taken to be submerged in water.
Transcendence
When you become one with Brahmn, you are born again. The old self dies with all its imperfections and the new, enlightened Self emerges. These rituals help us understand the transitory nature of life and inspire us to let go when it’s the right time to do so.

When we strive for salvation or pray for the Kingdom of God on earth, we feel the urge to rise above the ordinary, transcend religious dogma and experience oneness in the true spirit of universal oneness.
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