Ganesh Chaturthi, first day of Ganesh festival

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi  is a festival that celebrates the birth of Ganesha. Ganeshotsav (Ganesh festival) is marked with the installation of Ganesha clay idols privately in homes, or publicly on elaborate pandals. The festival ends on the tenth day after start. On the last day of the festival, the idol is carried in a public procession with music and group chanting, then immersed in a nearby body of water such as a river or sea. Thereafter the clay idol dissolves and Ganesha is believed to return to Mount Kailash to Parvati and ShivaIndiaart is happy to put together this special collection of paintings of Ganesha to celebrate Ganeshotsav 2019.

Ganesha paintings 

Ganesha in rhythm, Ganesh painting by Milon Mukherjee
Ganesha in rhythm, Ganesh painting by Milon Mukherjee

Ganesha also known as Ganapati, Vinayaka, and by several other names, is one of the best-known and most worshipped Hindu deities. Ganesha is widely revered as the remover of obstacles, the patron of arts and sciences and the deva of intellect and wisdom. As the god of beginnings, he is honoured at the start of rites and ceremonies. Ganesha is also invoked as patron of letters and learning during writing sessions.

Akurath by Anuradha Kabra, Watercolour on Paper, 23 x 30 inches
Akurath by Anuradha Kabra, Watercolour on Paper, 23 x 30 inches

Ganesha is a popular figure in Indian art. Unlike those of some deities, representations of Ganesha show wide variations and distinct patterns changing over time. He may be portrayed standing, dancing, heroically taking action against demons, playing with his family as a boy, or sitting down on an elevated seat, or engaging in a range of contemporary situations.

Ganapati playing flute by G. A. Dandekar, Acrylic on Canvas, 10 x 12 inches
Ganapati playing flute by G. A. Dandekar, Acrylic on Canvas, 10 x 12 inches
Natya Ganapati at Halebid by Chitra Vaidya, Watercolour on Paper, 26 x 12 inches
Natya Ganapati at Halebid by Chitra Vaidya, Watercolour on Paper, 26 x 12 inches
The Ganesha by Nehal Shah, Watercolour on Paper, 28 x 20 inches
The Ganesha by Nehal Shah, Watercolour on Paper, 28 x 20 inches

See all paintings of the artists featured :

Milon Mukherjee’s paintings

Anuradha Kabra’s paintings

G. A. Dandekar’s paintings

Chitra Vaidya’s paintings

Nehal Shah’s paintings

Ganesha in children’s art

Blog post on painting by Harshal Banawar