Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 will be celebrated on Monday, September 14, marking the start of the 10-day Ganeshotsav festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Devotees across India will install clay idols of Ganpati in their homes and community pandals, perform the traditional sthapana puja during the auspicious Madhyahna muhurat, and observe daily aarti and offerings until Visarjan on Friday, September 25.
The festival falls on the Chaturthi tithi of Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. While there was some initial confusion about whether the festival would be observed on September 13 or 14, panchang sources confirm that September 14 is the correct date, as the Madhyahna period—considered the most important time for Ganesh puja—falls on that day.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 is on Monday, September 14. This is the day when devotees perform the Ganesh Sthapana (installation of the idol) and begin the festival with the first puja and aarti.
The festival is observed on the Chaturthi tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. In 2026, the tithi spans from the morning of September 14 into the morning of September 15. However, the main celebration is anchored to September 14 because the Madhyahna period—the midpoint of the Hindu day—falls on that date.
The most auspicious time to perform Ganesh Sthapana and the main puja is during the Madhyahna period, which corresponds roughly to midday. This is based on the traditional belief that Lord Ganesha was born during Madhyahna Kala.
For New Delhi, the Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat is from 11:02 AM to 1:31 PM on September 14.
It is important to note that puja timings can vary slightly depending on the city and local sunrise/sunset calculations. Here are the Madhyahna puja timings for some major cities:
| City | Puja Muhurat |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | 11:20 AM – 1:48 PM |
| Pune | 11:16 AM – 1:44 PM |
| Chennai | 10:51 AM – 1:18 PM |
| Kolkata | 10:18 AM – 12:46 PM |
| Bengaluru | 11:02 AM – 1:28 PM |
| Hyderabad | 10:58 AM – 1:25 PM |
| Ahmedabad | 11:21 AM – 1:49 PM |
Devotees should check their local panchang for the most accurate timings for their specific location.
The Chaturthi tithi is the fourth day of the lunar fortnight. In 2026, the Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi tithi begins and ends as follows:
Some panchang sources list slightly different timings, with one noting the tithi beginning on September 13 at 6:36 PM. These variations reflect differences in regional panchang calculations. For the purpose of observing the festival, September 14 remains the correct date for the main celebration because the Madhyahna period falls within the tithi on that day.
Ganesh Visarjan, the immersion of the Ganpati idol, is traditionally observed on Anant Chaturdashi, which falls on Friday, September 25, 2026.
This marks the conclusion of the 10-day Ganeshotsav. However, it is important to note that not every household observes the full 10-day festival. Many families perform visarjan after one and a half days, three days, five days, or seven days, depending on their family tradition and community practice.
There is no single mandatory visarjan date for all devotees. The Anant Chaturdashi date represents the culmination of the festival for those who keep the idol for the full duration.
The Ganesh puja vidhi can vary by region and family tradition. What follows is a general sequence that many devotees follow. Specific rituals may differ based on local custom and the guidance of a family priest.
Clean the puja area and the home. Set up a clean cloth or wooden chowki (platform) for the idol. Many devotees sprinkle Gangajal or clean water to purify the space.
Bring the Ganesh idol home, ideally on Chaturthi. If the idol was brought earlier, its face is traditionally covered with a cloth until the sthapana day. Place the idol on the platform and remove the covering. Some traditions involve showering raw rice on the idol before bringing it inside.
Sit with folded hands and take a sankalp (vow) to perform the puja with devotion. Invoke Lord Ganesha’s presence into the idol through prayer.
Offer red flowers and durva grass—both are considered especially dear to Lord Ganesha. Apply tilak with kumkum and sandalwood paste.
Offer modak, fruits, coconut, and sweets. Modak is traditionally associated with Ganesh puja.
Light a diya and incense sticks. Perform the Ganesh aarti and recite Ganesh mantras. The family typically gathers for the aarti.
At the conclusion of the festival duration observed by the household, perform the visarjan (immersion) according to local tradition. Many chant “Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya” during the immersion.
The following items are commonly used in Ganesh Chaturthi puja. Not every household uses exactly the same list, and regional variations exist:
Some traditions advise against offering Tulsi and Ketaki flower in Ganesh puja, based on mythological accounts. This is a traditional practice rather than a universal rule.
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, who is traditionally revered as the remover of obstacles and the deity of wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings. According to Hindu tradition, Ganesha is worshipped before the start of any auspicious work or new venture.
Devotees believe that observing Ganesh Chaturthi with devotion brings blessings of happiness, peace, good health, and prosperity. The festival is also a time of community celebration, bringing families and neighborhoods together.
The festival is celebrated across India with particular enthusiasm in Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat, among other regions.
Celebrations vary widely, but common elements include:
In Maharashtra, the festival is particularly grand, with public pandals like Lalbaugcha Raja drawing massive crowds. The celebration traditionally concludes with Anant Chaturdashi, though household observances may end earlier.
In recent years, many devotees and municipalities have encouraged eco-friendly practices. Here are some responsible celebration suggestions:
These practices help minimize environmental impact while preserving the spiritual essence of the festival.
Here are original wishes you can share with family and friends:
When is Ganesh Chaturthi 2026?
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 is on Monday, September 14.
What day is Ganesh Chaturthi in 2026?
It falls on a Monday. The festival is observed on the Chaturthi tithi of Shukla Paksha in Bhadrapada.
What is the Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 puja muhurat?
The Madhyahna puja muhurat for New Delhi is 11:02 AM to 1:31 PM on September 14. Timings vary by city.
When does Ganesh Chaturthi Tithi begin and end in 2026?
Chaturthi tithi begins at 7:06 AM on September 14 and ends at 7:44 AM on September 15, according to Drik Panchang.
When is Ganesh Visarjan 2026?
Ganesh Visarjan is on Friday, September 25, 2026, which is Anant Chaturdashi. Some households perform visarjan earlier depending on tradition.
What should be offered during Ganesh Puja?
Common offerings include modak, red flowers, durva grass, fruits, coconut, kumkum, and sandalwood paste.
What is the significance of Ganesh Chaturthi?
The festival celebrates Lord Ganesha’s birth. He is revered as the remover of obstacles and the deity of wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings.
How many days is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated?
Celebrations traditionally last 10 days, concluding on Anant Chaturdashi. However, many households observe shorter durations of one and a half, three, five, or seven days.
Can Ganesh Visarjan be performed before Anant Chaturdashi?
Yes. Many families and communities perform visarjan earlier based on their tradition. Anant Chaturdashi is the final day for those observing the full festival.