Source: Newsday

http://www.newsday.com/mynews/ny-qlpgaq2943247sep29.story

On September 29, 2002 Newsday reported that "with an elephant head and human form, Ganesha represents the universality of creation. He is much beloved and is a favorite with Hindus and non-Hindus alike. Business moguls to taxi drivers carry his image on their car dashboards, and whenever Hindus buy a store or a house or start any new venture - be it a marriage or a business partnership - nothing begins without invoking the blessings of Ganesha. Ganesha Chaturthi is the festival celebrating the special day of this joyful god and is one of the most colorful national festivals of India. After rituals, chanting and prayers, thousands of clay images of Ganesha are taken out in colorful processions on the streets before being immersed in the ocean... Because Ganesha is the presiding deity at the temple in Flushing, the festival is observed with many prayers, chantings and rituals."