Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 – Lord Ganesha’s Birth, Rituals, and Grand Celebrations

Full Date

14 September 2026 Morning 7:06 AM – 14 September 2026 Morning 7:44 AM (15 Sep)

Muhurat Timings in India

• Ganesh Sthapana & Pranapratishtha

  The auspicious time for Ganesh Sthapana and Pranapratishtha in 2026 is September 14, Monday, Madhyahna Muhurat (11:02 AM to 1:31 PM).

  14 September 2026 11:02 AM – 14 September 2026 1:31 PM

• Ganesh Visarjan

  On Anant Chaturdashi (25 September 2026), grand processions mark the immersion of Ganesha idols in rivers, lakes, or the sea.

  25 September 2026 3:00 PM – 25 September 2026 8:00 PM

Introduction

Ganesh Chaturthi, the vibrant festival honoring Lord Ganesha’s birth, is celebrated with great devotion and joy across India. On Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi, people install clay idols, pray, and organize grand processions, invoking blessings of wisdom, success, and new beginnings.

Other Names

Vinayaka Chaturthi, Ganeshotsav, Vinayaka Chavithi, Ganapati Festival

Pooja Vidhi

• Prepare clean altar with red cloth, flowers, and lamp.
• Place new clay idol and invoke Ganesha with mantras.
• Offer 21 Durva grass blades, 21 Modaks, and coconut.
• Conduct aarti with camphor and distribute prasad.
• On Visarjan day, bid farewell to Ganesha, promising to welcome him next year.

Rituals

• Install idol of Lord Ganesha during Madhyahna Muhurat.
• Perform Shodashopachara Puja (16-step ritual) with flowers, incense, fruits, and sweets.
• Offer Modak and Durva grass, Ganesha’s favorite foods.
• Recite Ganapati Atharvashirsha and perform daily morning-evening aarti.
• On the tenth day, immerse the idol with joyous processions and chants.

Regional Highlights

• Mumbai hosts massive Ganesh pandals and processions, most famously Lalbaugcha Raja.
• Pune’s Dagdusheth Ganapati and Hyderabad’s Khairatabad Ganesh are major attractions.
• In South India, special pujas are held in temples and homes with unique traditions.
• Eco-friendly clay idols and sustainable practices are increasingly popular in many regions.

History

The roots of Ganesh Chaturthi trace back to ancient Hindu legends. Goddess Parvati created Ganesha from clay as her guardian. Lord Shiva later replaced Ganesha’s head with that of an elephant, making him the symbol of wisdom and obstacle-removal. Public celebrations became prominent under Lokmanya Tilak in Maharashtra.

Additional Information

• Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists worldwide.
• Ganesha idols are traditionally crafted from eco-friendly clay for safe immersion.
• The festival promotes community harmony, environmental consciousness, and joyful devotion.