In pictures: Ganesh festival

1 of 7 Celebrations have been held across India marking the festival of the elephant-headed god, Ganesh. The celebrations for this Hindu god traditionally draw in Christians and Muslims as well.

2 of 7 Giant paper-mache idols of Ganesh lead a procession of devotees through Bombay's streets.

3 of 7 A man holds up his baby for blessing at the idol's feet, alongside a statue of the god, Krishna.

4 of 7 Idols, large and small, are led to water for a ceremonial dip in Bhopal.

5 of 7 Security was tight at Bombay's Chowpatty beach after recent bomb attacks in the city.

6 of 7 Some idols were too heavy to carry. This one, in Madras, had to be winched into the sea.

7 of 7 Bulldozers arrive after the party to clear up the mess. Environmentalists have warned that the paints and plaster used in the idols harm aquatic life.