09 SEPTEMBER 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A Buddhist monk blesses a statue of Ganesha at Shiva Temple in Bangkok. Ganesha Chaturthi also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is the Hindu festival celebrated on the day of the re-birth of Lord Ganesha, the son of Shiva and Parvati. The festival, also known as Ganeshotsav ("Festival of Ganesha") is observed in the Hindu calendar month of Bhaadrapada. The date usually falls between 19 August and 20 September. The festival lasts for 10 days, ending on Anant Chaturdashi. Ganesha is a widely worshipped Hindu deity and is revered by many Thai Buddhists. Ganesha is widely revered as the remover of obstacles, the patron of arts and sciences and the deva of intellect and wisdom. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ