Chennai, Aug 27 (PTI) Vinayaka Chaturthi was celebrated with religious fervour across Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, with devotees thronging several Vinayaka Temples to offer special prayers on the occasion.
Clay idols of the Lord Vinayaka were installed at homes and at various vital parts of the city and people offered prayers in large numbers.
Temples of Lord Ganesha located in various parts of the State, including the famous Sri Karpaga Vinayaka Temple in Pillayarpatti, Sivaganga district, wore a festive look marking the occasion.
Devotees offered 'Kozhukattai,' a sweet delicacy made of jaggery and coconut, to the Lord, who is believed to be a remover of obstacles and provider of knowledge.
The famous Uchipillaiyar Shrine located atop a hill in Tiruchirappalli was buzzing with activity, with devotees thronging the temple in large numbers since early morning.
At several localities in the city, giant-sized and decorated idols of Lord Ganesha have been installed by resident associations and Hindu outfits.
The police have made elaborate security arrangements to avoid any untoward incidents. After a week-long celebration, the idols of Lord Ganesha would be immersed in the Bay of Bengal.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, Union Minister L Murugan extended their greetings on the occasion of Vinayakar Chaturthi.
Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi, along with his wife Laxmi Ravi and family members, offered prayers at the Arulmigu Sri Varasakthi Vinayagar Temple in the city.
"Governor Ravi prayed for the happiness and well-being of the brothers and sisters of Tamil Nadu and for the prosperity of Bharat," Raj Bhavan said.
In his message to the people of Tamil Nadu, Ravi said, "Warmest greetings on the auspicious occasion of Vinayakar Chaturthi. May Lord Vinayagar, the embodiment of wisdom, strength and prosperity, guide us past challenges toward success and bless us with good health and happiness."
"May he inspire love, compassion and harmony in society, guiding us to build a progressive and inclusive Viksit Bharat," he said.
Edappadi K Palaniswami, the leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, extended his greetings to the people of Tamil Nadu on the occasion. "I pray to the Lord Vinayaka on the occasion to bless everyone with love, peace, good health, wealth and prosperity," he said in a party statement.
Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, L Murugan, extended his greetings to the people on the occasion. "On the auspicious day, I pray the Lord Vinayaka that everyone may attain all prosperity and health filled with joy," he said in his social media post.
Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party president Nainar Nagenthiran also extended his Vinayakar Chaturthi greetings to the people on the occasion.