New Delhi/Mumbai, Sept 3: The week-long Ganesh Chaturthi festival, that marks the birthday of Lord Ganesha, began with merriment today in different parts of the country.

President Pratibha Patil, Vice President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh greeted the nation on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.

In her message, Patil said, "Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival, which brings people together in an atmosphere of happiness. During the period of the festival this year, the people can be more aware about the environment, by celebrating it in an environment friendly way."

With the intention to promote their upcoming flick ‘A Wednesday’, ace Bollywood actors Naseeruddin Shah and Anupam Kher boarded a local train in Mumbai on Tuesday afternoon.

The story of the film is based on a terrorist who threatens to bomb Mumbai city.

The actors journeyed from Churchgate station to Andheri to pay their honors to all those who lost their lives in the 2006 Mumbai serial train bombings.

The movie ‘A Wednesday’ also deals with the subject of violence in daily life

New Delhi  - Indian markets closed on a high Tuesda

Mumbai, Sept 2 : Markets are abuzz with activity in Mumbai ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi, which begins on Wednesday.

Markets were decorated beautifully as shopkeepers displayed their wares in interesting ways to attract the customers.

Miniature temples, crowns, thrones to seat the Ganesha idols, and an array of varied decorative items are some of the items that are most sought after.

For the people, the festival is an occasion of great joy and even the hike in prices of the materials because of inflation could do little to dampen their festive spirits.

Mumbai-based logistics company, Tuscan Ventures has announced its strategic investment in Singapore based Rasmussen & Simonsen International Pte Ltd. (RSI), for an undisclosed amount.