Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Date, Puja Muhurat, Sthapana, Puja Vidhi, Visarjan & Significance

Ganesh Chaturthi in 2026 is one of the Hindu festivals most widely celebrated and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the revered god linked with wisdom, the marking of favourable beginnings and the removal of obstacles.

The festival takes place on the fourth day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada; in 2026 it will be on Monday, the 14th of September. When celebrating, the devotees take the Ganesha idols home, carry out the Ganpati Sthapana, present flowers, durva grass, modak and other bhog, recite mantras and conduct puja all during the favourable Madhyahna period.

The number of days that Ganeshotsav lasts will vary according to family and regional customs, the traditional day for the 10th-day immersion being Anant Chaturdashi on 25 September 2026; nevertheless, devotees might also carry out the visarjan earlier, for example after one and a half, three, five or seven days.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Date and Puja Muhurat

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 will be celebrated on Monday, 14 September 2026.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026	Details
Festival	Ganesh Chaturthi
Date	14 September 2026
Day	Monday
Chaturthi Tithi Begins	7:06 AM, 14 September 2026
Chaturthi Tithi Ends	7:44 AM, 15 September 2026
Main Puja Period	Madhyahna
Ganesh Visarjan / Anant Chaturdashi	25 September 2026

Note: These timings are location-sensitive. Devotees should check the Panchang for their city before performing Ganesh Chaturthi rituals.

Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Muhurat in Major Cities

City	Ganesh Puja Muhurat
Patna / Bihar Region	Around 10:31 AM – 12:59 PM
New Delhi	11:02 AM – 1:31 PM
Mumbai	11:20 AM – 1:48 PM
Pune	11:16 AM – 1:44 PM
Kolkata	10:18 AM – 12:46 PM
Jaipur	11:08 AM – 1:36 PM
Hyderabad	10:58 AM – 1:25 PM
Bengaluru	11:02 AM – 1:28 PM
Chennai	10:51 AM – 1:18 PM

Important: Ganesh Puja Muhurat is not the same everywhere. The exact Madhyahna period is calculated according to the local sunrise and sunset, so devotees should verify the Muhurat according to their city.

What is Ganesh Chaturthi?

Ganesh Chaturthi, also referred to as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganeshotsav, is the festival which in Hindu tradition marks the appearance or the birthday of Lord Ganesha.

Lord Ganesha is worshipped at many important activities since he has traditionally been linked with the removal of obstacles, with wisdom, and with favourable beginnings and good fortune.

The festival takes place in homes, temples and public pandals in India as well as among Hindu communities all around the world.

In Maharashtra the festival is particularly notable and is observed as part of big community Ganeshotsav events.

Why is Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated?

The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is a celebration of the divine manifestation of Lord Ganesha. In a well-known Hindu tradition the Goddess Parvati created Ganesha and assigned him the role of guarding her entrance; when Lord Shiva returned and tried to enter she prevented him, and as a result Ganesha lost his head. On realizing that Ganesha was his son, Shiva brought about the restoration of his life by bestowing upon him the head of an elephant and granted him an important position among the gods. The story is normally seen as symbolising transformation, devotion, obedience and divine grace.

Spiritual Significance of Lord Ganesha

Lord Ganesha is revered for several qualities and is worshipped before many auspicious activities.

Wisdom

Ganesha represents intelligence, wisdom and discernment. Devotees seek his blessings for clarity of thought and better decision-making.

Removal of Obstacles

Ganesha is popularly worshipped as Vighnaharta, the remover of obstacles. Devotees pray to him for strength and guidance while overcoming challenges.

New Beginnings

Ganesh Puja is traditionally performed before many auspicious undertakings. His blessings are sought when beginning a new venture, journey, ceremony or important work.

Prosperity

Devotees pray to Lord Ganesha for peace, success and prosperity in their family, education, business and professional life.

Humility

The elephant-headed form of Ganesha is associated with wisdom, strength and humility. His form reminds devotees of the importance of knowledge, patience and inner strength.

Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Vidhi at Home

You do not need an elaborate setup to perform Ganesh Puja at home. Cleanliness, devotion and following your family tradition are most important.

Step 1: Clean the Puja Area

Clean the home temple and the place where you will establish the Ganesha idol.

Place a clean red or yellow cloth over the chowki.

Step 2: Prepare the Ganesh Idol

Choose a clean and suitable Ganesha idol.

For environmentally responsible celebrations, many families prefer natural clay idols that can be immersed more responsibly.

Place the idol facing the appropriate direction according to your family tradition or the guidance of your priest.

Step 3: Ganesh Sthapana

Place the idol on the decorated chowki during the auspicious Madhyahna Puja Muhurat.

Begin with prayers and invoke Lord Ganesha with श्रद्धा and devotion.

Step 4: Sankalp

Take a simple sankalp for the family's well-being, peace and prosperity.

State your name, family and intention according to your traditional puja method.

Step 5: Offerings

Offer the following items to Lord Ganesha according to your family tradition:

• Flowers
• Durva grass
• Akshat
• Kumkum
• Sandalwood
• Incense
• Diya
• Fruits
• Modak
• Coconut
• Sweets

Step 6: Ganesh Mantra

A simple and widely recited mantra is:

ॐ गं गणपतये नमः

Om Gam Ganapataye Namah

Repeat the mantra with devotion during the puja.

You may also recite Ganapati Atharvashirsha or other prayers followed in your family tradition.

Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Samagri List

Prepare the following items in advance:

Puja Samagri	Puja Samagri
Lord Ganesha Idol	Red or Yellow Cloth
Chowki	Kalash
Mango Leaves	Coconut
Durva Grass	Flowers
Garland	Akshat
Kumkum	Haldi
Sandalwood	Incense Sticks
Diya	Ghee or Oil
Cotton Wicks	Panchamrit Ingredients
Fruits	Modak
Betel Leaves and Areca Nut	Dakshina
Puja Plate

Note: The exact Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Samagri list can differ according to regional and family traditions.

Why is Durva Grass Offered to Lord Ganesha?

Durva grass is a traditional offering made to Lord Ganesha.

It is common for devotees to offer small bunches of durva during Ganesh Puja. Durva holds an important position in traditional Ganapati worship and is usually included in preparations for household puja.

Why is Modak Offered to Lord Ganesha?

Modak is one of the most famous foods associated with Lord Ganesha and Ganesh Chaturthi.

The sweet is traditionally offered to Lord Ganesha and is often prepared in homes during the festival.

Popular Types of Modak

• Steamed Ukadiche Modak
• Coconut-Jaggery Modak
• Fried Modak
• Dry-Fruit Modak
• Mawa Modak
• Chocolate Modak

For a traditional celebration, homemade modak is a beautiful bhog option.

Ganesh Chaturthi Bhog

Apart from modak, devotees may offer the following bhog according to their household tradition:

• Fruits
• Coconut
• Banana
• Puran Poli
• Kheer
• Laddoo
• Panchamrit
• Dry Fruits
• Homemade Sweets

Offerings should be prepared cleanly and according to your household and regional traditions.

Ganesh Chaturthi Vrat

Ganesh Chaturthi fasting practices vary among devotees and families. Some people observe a partial fast with fruits, milk and other foods permitted according to their tradition, while others may observe a more restrictive fast.

The type and duration of fasting can depend on personal circumstances, family customs and regional traditions. People with medical conditions, dietary requirements or other health considerations should prioritize their nutritional needs and consult an appropriate healthcare professional before undertaking a restrictive fast.

Ganesh Chaturthi Decoration Ideas

You can make your home temple beautiful without spending a lot.

Traditional Theme

Use the following traditional decorations:

• Marigold Garlands
• Mango Leaves
• Red and Yellow Cloth
• Brass Diyas
• Rangoli
• Banana Leaves

Floral Theme

Use white, yellow and orange flowers around the Ganesha idol to create a fresh and devotional atmosphere.

Eco-Friendly Theme

Choose reusable and natural materials wherever possible.

• Paper Decorations
• Clay Diyas
• Natural Flowers
• Cotton Fabric
• Reusable Wooden Decorations

Minimalist Theme

A clean background, one floral garland, warm diya light and a beautifully decorated Ganesha idol can create an elegant and peaceful look.

How Many Days is Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated?

There is no requirement for every household to keep the Ganesha idol for exactly the same number of days.

Depending on local and family traditions, Ganesh Visarjan may take place:

• The Same Day
• The Next Day
• After 3 Days
• After 5 Days
• After 7 Days
• On Anant Chaturdashi

The 10th day, Anant Chaturdashi, is traditionally associated with the grand conclusion of Ganeshotsav and idol immersion. In 2026, Anant Chaturdashi falls on Friday, 25 September.

Ganesh Visarjan 2026

Ganesh Visarjan marks the conclusion of the period of worship for the Ganesha idol. Before the immersion, devotees traditionally perform a final puja and aarti and seek Lord Ganesha's blessings.

During the visarjan, devotees may carry the idol in a devotional procession before immersing it at an appropriate designated location. Communities should follow local administration guidelines and use designated immersion facilities whenever available.

For an environmentally responsible celebration, natural clay idols and designated immersion locations can help reduce environmental impact.

Why is Ganesh Idol Immersed?

The immersion of the Ganesha idol carries a philosophical message about the temporary nature of physical form.

The idol is welcomed and worshipped with devotion and is eventually returned to the natural elements through the immersion ritual.

Ganesh Visarjan Farewell

“Ganpati Bappa Morya, come back soon next year!”

This traditional farewell expresses the heartfelt wish of devotees for Lord Ganesha to return and bless them again in the following year.

Ganesh Chaturthi and Eco-Friendly Celebrations

A meaningful Ganesh Chaturthi can also be environmentally responsible.

Eco-Friendly Practices

• Choose natural clay idols.
• Prefer organic or natural colours where possible.
• Use reusable decorations.
• Avoid unnecessary plastic.
• Use designated immersion locations.
• Participate in community cleanup activities.
• Reduce single-use materials.

The goal is to celebrate devotion while caring for the environment around us.

Do's and Don'ts for Ganesh Chaturthi

Do's

• Keep the puja area clean.
• Use fresh offerings.
• Follow your family tradition.
• Check city-specific puja Muhurat.
• Prefer environmentally responsible idols.
• Follow local Visarjan rules.

Don'ts

• Do not treat the puja only as decoration.
• Do not ignore local safety instructions.
• Do not use unsafe electrical arrangements.
• Do not leave diyas unattended.
• Do not dump idol materials or decorations into unauthorized water bodies.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Celebration Ideas for Families

Make the festival meaningful and engaging for children and family members.

Create a Small Ganpati Corner

Let children help decorate the home temple and prepare simple decorations.

Make Modak Together

Preparing traditional modak and other bhog can become a meaningful family activity.

Teach Ganesha Stories

Explain stories and teachings associated with Lord Ganesha in an age-appropriate way.

Organize a Small Aarti

Invite family members to participate in the Ganesh Aarti and devotional prayers.

Donate

Use the occasion to share food, clothes or other useful items with people in need.

10-Day Ganeshotsav Celebration Guide

Day	Suggested Seva / Activity
Day 1	Ganesh Sthapana and Pran Pratishtha according to tradition
Day 2	Daily Puja and Aarti
Day 3	Ganesh Mantra and Bhog
Day 4	Family Ganpati Celebration
Day 5	Charity or Annadan
Day 6	Bhajan and Aarti
Day 7	Modak Bhog
Day 8	Ganesh Katha or Prayer
Day 9	Final Preparations
Day 10	Anant Chaturdashi Puja and Visarjan

Frequently Asked Questions About Ganesh Chaturthi 2026

What is the Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Muhurat in 2026?

The main Ganesh Puja is traditionally performed during the Madhyahna period. The exact time varies by location. For example, the Muhurat may differ between New Delhi, Mumbai, Patna and other cities. Devotees should check a reliable city-specific Panchang before performing the puja.

When does Ganesh Chaturthi Tithi begin in 2026?

The Chaturthi Tithi begins at 7:06 AM on 14 September 2026.

When does Ganesh Chaturthi Tithi end in 2026?

The Chaturthi Tithi ends at 7:44 AM on 15 September 2026.

When is Ganesh Visarjan in 2026?

The major 10th-day immersion associated with Anant Chaturdashi is Friday, 25 September 2026. Earlier Visarjan days are also observed according to family and regional traditions.

Can I do Ganesh Puja at home?

Yes. Families can perform a simple Ganesh Puja at home using a Ganesha idol, puja samagri, flowers, durva, modak, diya and traditional prayers.

What should be offered to Lord Ganesha?

Traditional offerings include durva grass, modak, flowers, fruits, coconut and sweets. Offerings can vary according to regional and family traditions.

How many days should Ganesh Ji be kept at home?

The duration depends on family and regional tradition. Some families perform same-day or next-day Visarjan, while others keep the idol for 3, 5, 7 or 10 days.

Which idol is best for Ganesh Chaturthi?

Many devotees choose an idol according to their family tradition and personal devotional preference. For environmentally responsible celebrations, a natural clay idol can be a practical choice.