From September 15-25, Maharashtra celebrates the 10-day Ganapati Festival to mark Lord Ganesha's birthday.

Ganesha, the Elephant God, is the patron deity of the state, and this is the biggest celebration in his honour in India.

For tourists interested in Indian culture this is a must-see festival, encompassing history, colour, music and dance, and the best locations to see the spectacular celebrations are in Mumbai and Pune.

The festivities start with the installation of the idols on day one. For the next 10 days the deity is worshipped by devotees who lay sweets and brightly coloured gifts.

Due to his identification with the colour red, red sandalwood paste and red flowers are also offered.

Many spectacular Ganesha figurines are installed throughout Maharashtra, some reaching towering heights of up to 40 feet and weighing several tonnes.

Fireworks, drum-beats, music and dancing are all present throughout the festival, culminating on day 10 in enormous street parties when the idols are immersed into the sea, accompanied by chanting.

Ganesha, popularly known as Ganapati, is worshipped as the god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune.

Legend says his mother Goddess Parvati created him from sandalwood and then breathed life into him, she then took a bath and told Ganesha to stand guard at the door.

His father, Lord Shiva, then returned home, and as they did not know each other Ganesha did not allow him to enter the house. Lord Shiva then beheaded Ganesha.

After realising he had beheaded his own son, Lord Shiva fixed an elephant head in place of Ganesha's, and he was blessed to be worshipped forever, which is why he is known as the Elephant God.

For further information, visit www.maharashtratourism.gov.in.