Ganesh festival : Visit to a traditional Maharashtrian home

Last week, i had the opportunity to visit the home of a friend at whos place a Ganesh idol had been installed, as part of the on-going ten day Ganesh festival. The atmosphere was of a typical traditional house-hold Maharashtrian Ganesh festival. At the corner in the main room, was this installation, complete with chinese lighting and washable flowers and leaves. The idol was nice and at about 12 inches can be said to be a medium sized household Ganesh. It was decorated nicely with things and banana leaves etc. A tray with objects meant for 'pooja' (prayer ceremony) was kept in front of the idol. I was told that my friend (it was his house - a bangalow) along with his daughter had spent almost two hours to set it up. We were given the prasad and snacks, consisting of a laadoo, salted items and some dry fruits. In true traditional style tea was served, by his daughter, as is done for any visitor that visits a traditional Maharashtrian household. We were also introduced to his parents, and greetings were exchanged (on sequential introduction by my friend) by folded hands and saying 'Namaste'. It was a nice evening. I also had the opportunity to take some photographs.

Visarjan for this idol was due after five days. Many households perform the visarjan ceremony of the Ganesh idol after either 1,1.5,3,5 or 7 days. All dont keep it for the full ten days.