The day before the actual festival, a mud idol of the God is brought home ceremoniously for worship. Varieties of a sweet preparation called modaka or kadubu, which Ganesha is particularly fond of, is prepared.

After elaborate prayers in the morning, family members gather for a feast. After taking their bath, people go to the temple and do the prayers of Lord Ganesha. Ladoos are distributed and are eaten before the meal. Milk is offered to idols of lord Ganesh at home and at temples, and Ganesh puja is performed at all temples and in-house prayer rooms. In the evening, an elder reads out the story of Ganesha's birth and an arti is performed.

Fasting, feasting and distribution of sweets offered to Lord Ganesh are important aspects of Ganesh chaturthi rituals in India. Hindus pray to the images of Lord Ganesha,with faith and devotion so that he may remove all their obstacles. Offer Him Rice Kheer, Moodak, Besan ke ladoo or Boondi ladoo.

The idol is kept in the house for a period of one and a half, five, seven, or ten days, and is then immersed in water.