Pictorial Report Ganesh Chaturthi 2017: Fruits and Flowers

The busy Thiruvoodal Street blocked off to traffic

Car Street filled with traders and merchants for the Festival

Car Street selling fruits for the busy Festival season

Flowers for sale on Car Street

Fruit stalls on Thiruvoodal Street

Thiruvoodal Street near the Fruit and Vegetable Market

Lots of Wood Apple and Corn on the Cob

Above seller with Ganesha Chaturthi necessities!

The above photograph shows the unique flower used during this festival i.e., Calotropis Gigantea, which grows abundantly as a weed throughout this area. This purple flower also known as Milkweed (Arka or Erukku), is plucked from the bush and used to create garlands for Lord Ganesha. It is believed that one who worships Ganesha with this flower will be free of all ailments and disease. 

Another particular plant used in worship to Lord Ganesha at this special time is Durva Grass. It is believed that one earns the grace of Lord Ganesha by offering this sacred grass during this Festival. 

The fruit is the Wood Apple which is especially loved by Lord Ganesha and used in offerings to Him.

Wood Apples (which are much loved not only by Ganesha but by all Elephants)

Jasmine and Samandi flowers at the marketplace

Many villagers come into town for the festival to make and supply the necessities for a well celebrated Ganesha Chaturthi

Handsome umbrellas for devotee's puja rooms

Statues of Lord Ganesha evident throughout Tiruvannamamalai

Different types of paraphernalia needed for a well decorated Lord Ganesha

As well as fruits, flowers and other necessities, devotees crowd the marketplace to purchase their statute of Lord Ganesha

Above lad has purchased his golden Ganesha made by mould