The annual 11-day Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations kicked off on Monday.

There is a festive atmosphere in the streets of Mumbai. Over the past night and through the day, many enthusiastic Mumbaikars -- as the citizens of the megapolis are called -- have spilled out into the city's streets. They are bringing home their favourite God, Lord Ganesh.

Cymbals and drums set up a foot-tapping beat that urges you to dance; there seems to be no other appropriate way to express your joy.

Accompanied by the bursting of crackers and the singing of favourite bhajans -- yes, it's also blasted it on loudspeakers (everything is forgiven these 10 days :)) -- the elephant-headed deity begins his journey on two wheelers, four wheelers, carts... many even carry Him home, balanced on their head or cradled lovingly in their arms.

Hundreds of Ganesha idols -- from tiny little home made ones to those who tower several stories tall -- are ceremonially welcomed into homes and pandals. The 11-day Ganesha festival has begun, and the zeal and fervour with which it is celebrated needs to seen to be experienced.

Roads and bylanes glitter with lights and decorations, and the city is resounds to the chant of Ganpati Bappa Morya.