A Bearer Of Good Fortune

An artist paints a statue of the Hindu god Ganesh in Bombay, India. The elephant-faced god represents good fortune, new ventures and wisdom.

When the annual Ganesh festival begins on August 26, thousands of Ganesh idols will be placed in homes. Special shrines erected on street corners will also house the deity during the time of celebration and prayer.

The ritual immersion of the idols into the sea on September 6 will mark the completion of the festival.

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For background information on Bombay, see Information Please, a partner of CBS.com.