Shiva pacified her and instructed his ganas to bring the head of the first living and north facing being they encounter. They found a sleeping elephant and brought back its severed head, which was then attached to the body of the boy and breathed life into him. Shiva has given the name Ganesha to his son and made him the leader of his ganas, hence his name "Ganapati". Shiva also bestowed a boon that people would worship him and invoke his name before undertaking any venture. Shiva further blessed the boy, decreeing that all shall pray to Ganesh before enlisting any undertaking.

Significance of Ganesha’s form

Ganesha is usually depicted either as a pictograph or as an idol with the body of a man and the head of an elephant, with four arms and having only one tusk, the other tusk appearing broken. On his waist, is his sacred thread, often in the form of a snake. The vehicle of Ganesha is the mouse, often seen paying obeisance to his lord. In essence Ganesha is the personification of material universe in all its various magnificent manifestations and symbol of abundance.. >

• The head of Ganesh represents the Atma (the soul or ultimate reality), while his body signifies the world and earthly realm of human beings.
• His fan-like ears convey that he is all ears to our petitions.
• The elephant trunk had the symbol of OM on it, which is the primal sound and symbol of the Universal reality.
• In three of his hands he holds various objects that are symbolic tools for enlightenment: a pasam or rope, goad or axe, and a bowl of rice of or a sweet dessert ball.

The pasam or rope has three braids, each braid representing a different cautionary lesson: arrogance, Maya or the illusionary nature of the world, and ignorance.

The goad is a staff used to herd elephants and reminds the devotee to steer clear of a self-defeating path, while the axe represents the ability to cut unhealthy attachment to the material world.

The rice or sweet dessert represents the reward, or the sweetness of living in enlightenment, and the fullness of wisdom. It promises happiness in return for devotion.

Ganesh’s fourth hand is always free, palm extended in a blessing.

• The snake that runs round his waist represents energy in all forms and also remind us Ganesha is Shiva’s son.
• Ganesha’s vehicle is a mouse, representing not only how much importance a wise man gives to the tiniest of creatures, but also agility and resourcefulness.

Throughout the celebration, Vedic hymns from the Rig Veda and Ganapati Atharva Shirsha Upanishad, and Ganesha stotra from the Narada Purana are chanted. Haarathi is offered to the Lord throughout the day at regular intervals.

(The Celebration) – PM

As we all know that ‘Annam Para Brahma Swarupam’. Food only can support the body to attain Dharma, Artha, Kamaand Moksha. The person, who participates and has food in a divine environment, is considered to be blessed by divine Gods. So we offer Annadanam as lunch to all the participants during the celebration.

Annadanam is followed by various performances from Bhajans to Singing to Dancing or even some devotional talk.

Evening kicks off with the auction of Lord Ganesha’s Laddu.

"Many consider the auction as a financial exercise but we, LORD MAHAGANAPATHI USTAV COMMITTEE look at it as a means to serve people," The idea was not to make money but to do something for the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. While, the successful bidders are blessed with prosperity, the Ganesh Utsav Samithi utilises every penny gained out of the auction for making the celebration better.

Lord Ganesha is known for bestowing prosperity and this is what the Lord’s laddu has done with different people for the past few years. The laddu auction has now become synonymous with the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. While some consider it as a blessing of the Lord of Beginnings, others look at it as a sentiment.

After the Laddu auction, Lord Ganesh is offered prayers and the Ganesha idol is taken through the BIRMINGHAM streets in a procession accompanied with chanting, dancing, singing etc to be immersed in a nearby lake symbolizing a ritual see-off of the Lord in his journey towards his abode in Kailash while taking away with him the misfortunes of all of us.

We welcome all the devotees to join in this final procession shouting "Ganapathi Bappa Morya, Purchya Varshi Laukariya" (O father Ganesha, come again early next year). After the final offering of coconuts, flowers and camphor is given, idol is carried to the lake and immersed.