India, Aug. 22 -- Massive Ganesh idols tower over streets, drumbeats echo in lockstep with the tread of devotees through neighbourhoods, and emotional processions light up Ganesh Chaturthi - an annual festival celebrated across India in late August or September. The 10-day celebration (sometimes 11) honours the deity of wisdom and prosperity, making it one of the most prominent events of the year. Families install clay idols at home, while public mandals build elaborate pandals that draw millions of visitors, turning the religious festival into a cornerstone of cultural tourism.

Mumbai may be the heart of it all, with the most elaborate observances on the day, but Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated just as vibrantly in cities across India. A...