An artist adds the meticulous finishing touches to a Lord Ganesha [Images] idol in a workshop in Mumbai.

Ganesh Puja, celebrating the god of auspicious beginnings, is just 26 days away!

Artists, who have for generations been creating Ganeshas, are at the moment working through the night, often doing double-shifts, to cope with the huge demand for Maharashtra's favourite deity.

The Ganesha you did not know

Most of the artists begin work in June and by August their schedules take on a frenetic pace. In another 15 days most of the larger Ganeshas will be ready. A 20-foot Ganesha, factoring in inflation and such, costs about Rs 50,000. 

Photograph: Sajjad Hussain/AFP/Getty Images

Also see: Where Ganeshas are born