"Ganesha Visarjana (a Sanskrit word meaning “departure”) names the Ganesha Chathurthi immersion ceremony. Especially in Maharashtra state, it takes place ten days after Ganesh Chathurthi; though in some areas Visarjana is done on the Chathurthi day itself. It is a ceremony of fond farewell to a beloved God. On Chathurthi day we celebrate Ganesha’s birthday and then honour Him as our beloved guest for ten days. Then on the tenth day called Anant Chaturdashi of the lunar fortnight, we bid Him fond farewell at the ocean shore or banks of a river or babbling brook of love and watch Him float off on the conveyance [we have] prepared for Him until he finally disappears from sight into the waters. We honor his departure with a grand parade, as we carry Him on a palanquin bedecked with flowers and accompanied by puja, music, dance and celebration."