Ganesha is one of the most popular gods in the Hindu pantheon whose help is called upon at the beginning of all new undertakings. He is known as the symbol of good luck, the remover of obstacles, and the bestower of earthly prosperity and well-being. He is also the patron of literature and learning and is credited with writing the Mahabharata, one of India's great epic poems. He is a friendly, likable figure in spite of his astonishing appearance; he is depicted as a short pot-bellied man with red or yellow skin, four arms, and the head of an elephant with only one tusk who is accompanied by his friend and companion the rat. Together, they destroy or circumvent all obstacles placed before them.

Ganesh, the elephant headed God, was created solely by his mother Parvati. The myth begins with the fact that Ganesh's 'father' Lord Shiva was out on penance, so when Parvati wanted a child she created him herself by taking all the dirt from her body and forming it into the shape of a boy. So thus Ganesh was created.

The myth continues, to say that one day Parvati wanted to take a shower and she told her son to keep guard outside the door and to let no one, without exception, into the room. At the very same time that Ganesh was keeping watch for this mother and respecting her wishes, Lord Shiva came back from his penance and demanded to be allowed in so that he might see his wife. Ganesh following strict orders from his mother and not knowing that Shiva was his father, told him steadfastly 'No'. Shiva, enraged, cut off the little boy’s head.

Upon seeing her little boy headless, Parvati became furious and told her husband that she would destroy the universe if he was not brought back to life. Shiva ordered a servant to go out and search for the first head he found and to bring it back for the little boy. The servant set out, and not being too brilliant brought back the first head he found, which happened to be an elephant's head.

This is how Ganesha has a little boy's body and an elephant head.

All the gods worship him.

The festival of Ganesh or Vinayak Chaturthi, the day on which Ganesh was born is the most joyous event of the year . Throughout India the festival is celebrated with much enthusiasm and devotion. In Andhra Pradesh, like Maharashtra, the festival is celebrated for ten days.