From December 21 – 25, many Hindus celebrate Pancha Ganapati, and hold a five-day festival in honor of Lord Ganesha, Patron of Arts and Guardian of Culture. Pancha Ganapati was created in 1985 by Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, as a Hindu alternative to December holidays like Christmas. Because the late Subramuniyaswami’s Śaivite Hindu church is located in Hawaii, celebration of Pancha Ganapati is not common among traditional Hindus in South Asia. Observers of Pancha Ganapati spend each of the five days focusing on a special “sadhana,” or spiritual discipline. They create shrines in the main living rooms of their homes, and decorate the shrine in spirit of the occasion. At the center of the shrine, a statue of Lord Ganesha is placed, and adorned with tinsel, lights, and ornaments.