Birthday beauty: Figures of Ganesh are painted ahead of major festival marking his birthday

An Indian artist puts the final touches on idols of the elephant-headed Hindu deity Lord Ganesha at a workshop on the outskirts of Amritsar in northern India, ahead of the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations – a Hindu festival honouring the god’s birthday that lasts for around ten days – starting on 13 September.

Handcrafted idols of Ganesh are installed in homes and public places and a ritual known as Shodashopachara Puja is followed. During the ritual – which should be performed around midday, being an auspicious time – various offerings including sweets and flowers are made to the idol.