A shrine to Ganesh is decorated with festively colored fruits, vegetables and flowers as part of the annual celebration of the Hindu deity's birthday. File photo/Joshua Zirschky

September is one of the holiest months in the Hindu faith, and for the next nine days Flushing’s Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam Temple will be opening its doors to the public as it rings in the birth of the Lord Ganesha in a grand fashion.

The Sri Ganesha Chaturthi celebration is of great importance to Hindus, who spend nine days praying, chanting and otherwise giving tribute to Lord Shiva’s eldest son, Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of knowledge and remover of obstacles. One of Ganesha’s palms is always extended to bless people and the festival is a way to show devotion to him.

For non-Hindu visitors, Sri Ganesha Chaturthi at the temple — also known as the Ganesa Temple...

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