Half-painted Ganesha idol at a workshop in Bangalore

© Amith Nag Photography/Getty Image

An idol is created. Ganesha idols being created ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi idols are usually made weeks ahead of the celebrations. Idols like the one that you see in today’s homepage, are brightly coloured for their short-lived existence at homes, street corners in every neighbourhood, office and even in some shops and establishments; before they are carried out to the ‘visarjan’. Ganesh Chaturthi is most glamorously celebrated in Mumbai, possibly because it was none other than Chhatrapati Shivaji who initiated the festivities! So, what happens to all those idols after they are immersed into rivers and other water bodies? Not to worry, they simply dissolve - they’re made of clay after all.