Ganesa is not mentioned in the vedas, yet there is a short Ganesha upanishad in his name. The most popular concept about Ganapati is the identification of his form with pranava , the premordial sound Om. Ganesha was given the head of an elephant, the mightiest and largest animal known then, to symbolize that he is the greatest power. His four arms stand for his immense power in helping humanity. The noose and goad in his hands stand for his all-pervasiveness and grace.
Ganesh worship is prescribed specially for the chaturthi .
Aruhu, or durva the common grass is important for Ganesa puja. Erukku or calotropis flowers are also strung together and placed around Ganesha's neck . In early days , Ganesh Chaturthi used to be celebrated at home . Later Peshwas gave it a grandeur by celebrating it for ten days. However, the credit of reviving it as a community festival goes to Tilak, who in 1893, wanted it to be a function to bring people together and inspire them for the freedom struggle .