Every devout Hindu begins his daily worship, all important events and religious festivals by invoking Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.

Everyday worship for Ganpati begins with the lighting of an oil lamp in front of Ganesh statue. Vinayaka is then given a ritual rosewater bath. Freshly bathed, a strip of cloth tied around his capacious middle, a holy mark made of red powder is placed on his forehead. He may be garlanded or decorated with a few flowers tucked on him and placed at his feet. Then come the food offerings. Offerings to Ganesha vary from home to home - holy water, fruit, milk, betel leaves and nuts, a coconut, these are the norm. Next, the prayers are chanted.

This ritual is followed at the commencement of all major religious festivals. However, it assumes special significance during Diwali, the festival of lights, which occurs during October-November. Ganesha, is worshiped as the god of prosperity along with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, who visits earth on this day. After sunset, both idols are placed on a platform. Ganeshji on the right and Lakshmi on the left are accorded a full ritual worship. A pot brimming with rice grains, the symbol of plenty, is placed next to the idols, along with holy water, fruits, milk, sweets and savories - all prepared to welcome these very special guests into the home. The pavilion used for worship, aromatic, glowing with lamplight and color is a beautiful sight to behold. The family gathers to pay homage to Ganesh and Lakshmi statues with prayers. A piece of camphor is placed in a container, lit and moved in circles before the idols. Finally, the offerings that have now been blessed by the gods are distributed to the worshipers. Lord Ganesh and Lakshmi, it is believed, will ensure another year of peace, prosperity and well-being.

There are times when an extra special worship of Ganesha is considered necessary. Perhaps a specific purpose has to be addressed: a family member is starting a new business venture; a child's first birthday is being celebrated; a trader or other businessman has been suffering inexplicable losses; there is a general sense in the family that too many things aren't working out well. At times, astrologers recommend the performance of a special worship to Ganesha to nullify the effect of inauspicious portents. In all these cases, Ganeshji is approached through an elaborate ritual to intervene and smooth the path ahead. Eight priests are required to perform this special ritual. Beginning early morning, the family, freshly bathed, is seated for worship. Before a sacrificial fire, the priests worship Ganpati in his eight forms, chanting 1008 prayers to invoke his blessings.

The fourth day of every month in the Hindu lunar calendar is dedicated especially to Ganesha. The big one, of course, is Ganesh Chaturthi, his birthday, celebrated for 10 days, between mid-August and mid-September. In homes across the country, a newly bought Ganesh statue is installed and decorated for worship. Housewives prepare Ganpati's favorite delicacy - steamed rice-flour dumplings stuffed with a mix of jaggery and coconut. On this festival, one is reminded not to glance at the moon who once insulted Ganesha. The deeper meaning to this quaint admonition: one should not have any truck with the faithless and unbelieving.

The public celebration of Ganesha's birthday is a huge socio-religious event in the western state of Maharashtra. Red silk clad priests offer 16 services every day to the idol, chanting hymns from ancient religious texts. Millions of devotees visit the gorgeously decorated pavilions to pay homage. On the eleventh day, all the idols are taken for immersion in the sea or lakes with much fanfare and gaiety and bid a fond farewell.

Does Ganesha ever leave? His figure, enshrined at entrances to homes, in every temple, village square and wayside tree is a comforting presence, a reminder that with him around, all will be well.