At the Air Force Academy, the subject of religion has always been the proverbial elephant in the room. Yet, instead of ignoring the elephant, a group of cadets decided to welcome it by holding the first-ever Hindu Ganesh prayer at the USAF Academy.

For Hindus, it is a day to take fresh spiritual resolve and pray for inner spiritual strength to attain success in all undertakings. This observance and prayer for the removal of obstacles is especially relevant as the country faces a polarized political environment.

Click through to see photos from this year's Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is a Hindu festiv...

Tying a Rakhi on the wrists of close friends and neighbors underscores the need for a harmonious social life, where every individual co-exists peacefully as brothers and sisters.

Ganeshji, it seemed, would not let me get away from him. In a way that I understand now but couldn't quite see back then, he would not let me get away from myself either. After all, my problem was never really with him to begin with.

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is the Hindu festival of Lord Ganesh. It is a 10-day festival marking the birthday of Ganesh, who ...