Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Date, Shubh Muhurat, Puja Vidhi and Visarjan

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals. The day marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, who is worshipped as the remover of obstacles and the deity of wisdom, prosperity and auspicious beginnings.

The festival begins with the installation of Lord Ganesha’s idol in homes and public pandals. Devotees worship Bappa with devotion, offer modak and durva, perform aarti and later bid him farewell through Ganesh Visarjan.

In 2026, some devotees may be confused about whether Ganesh Chaturthi falls on 14 or 15 September. Here is the correct date, puja muhurat and a simple method for performing Ganpati Sthapana at home.

When Is Ganesh Chaturthi in 2026?

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

According to the Hindu calendar, the festival is observed on the Chaturthi Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. The Madhyahna period is traditionally considered suitable for Lord Ganesha’s worship because it is believed that he was born during this part of the day.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Date and Timings

• Ganesh Chaturthi: Monday, 14 September 2026

• Chaturthi Tithi begins: 7:06 AM on 14 September

• Chaturthi Tithi ends: 7:44 AM on 15 September

• Ganesh Puja Muhurat in Delhi: 11:02 AM to 1:31 PM

• Ganesh Visarjan: Friday, 25 September 2026

Puja timings can differ slightly according to the devotee’s city and local sunrise. Therefore, it is advisable to check the local Panchang before performing Ganpati Sthapana.

Why Is There Confusion About the Date?

The Chaturthi Tithi begins on the morning of 14 September and continues until the morning of 15 September. However, Ganesh Chaturthi worship is traditionally performed during the Madhyahna period while the Chaturthi Tithi is prevailing.

Since the required Madhyahna period falls on 14 September, the main celebration and Ganpati Sthapana will take place on this day.

Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi

Lord Ganesha is known by many names, including Vighnaharta, Ganapati, Vinayaka and Ekadanta. Devotees worship him before beginning a new journey, ceremony or important task.

According to religious belief, worshipping Lord Ganesha with sincerity helps remove obstacles and brings wisdom, stability and positive energy into life. Ganesh Chaturthi also reminds devotees to approach success with patience, humility and good judgment.

Although the festival is celebrated throughout India, it holds particular cultural importance in Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat.

Puja Samagri for Ganesh Chaturthi

Before beginning the puja, collect the necessary items in one place. This helps devotees perform the rituals peacefully without interruptions.

The commonly used puja materials include:

• An idol of Lord Ganesha

• A clean wooden platform or chowki

• Red or yellow cloth

• Kalash filled with water

• Gangajal

• Roli, kumkum and sandalwood

• Akshat or unbroken rice grains

• Janeu and mauli

• Fresh flowers

• Durva grass

• Betel leaves and betel nuts

• Coconut and mango leaves

• Ghee lamp and incense sticks

• Fruits, sweets and dry fruits

• Modak or laddus

• Camphor and an aarti thali

The list may vary depending on family customs and regional traditions.

Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Vidhi at Home

The rituals followed for Ganesh Chaturthi can differ between families. The following is a simple puja method that devotees may follow at home.

1. Clean the Puja Area

Wake up early, take a bath and wear clean clothes. Clean the area where Lord Ganesha will be placed. Sprinkle Gangajal around the space to purify it.

2. Prepare the Chowki

Cover a wooden platform with a clean red or yellow cloth. Place it in a clean and peaceful part of the house. If possible, arrange the platform so that the devotee faces east or north while performing the puja.

3. Take the Sankalp

Sit calmly in front of the prepared space. Take water, flowers and rice in your hand and make a sincere resolution to perform Lord Ganesha’s worship.

Devotees may keep Ganpati at home for one and a half, three, five, seven or ten days according to their family tradition and convenience.

4. Perform Ganpati Sthapana

Install Lord Ganesha’s idol during the appropriate Madhyahna muhurat. After placing the idol on the chowki, sprinkle Gangajal and pray to Bappa to accept the worship.

Place a kalash near the idol. It may be decorated with mango leaves and a coconut according to family tradition.

5. Offer Puja Samagri

Apply roli and sandalwood tilak to Lord Ganesha. Offer akshat, flowers, durva grass, janeu, fruits and sweets. Modak is traditionally offered as it is considered one of Bappa’s favourite foods.

Light a ghee lamp and incense before the idol.

6. Chant the Ganesh Mantra

Devotees may chant the following mantra:

ॐ गं गणपतये नमः।
Om Gam Ganapataye Namah

Chant it with a peaceful mind and pray for wisdom, clarity and freedom from obstacles.

7. Perform Ganesh Aarti

Conclude the puja by performing Lord Ganesha’s aarti with the family. Distribute the offered food as prasad after the worship.

If Ganpati is kept at home for several days, morning and evening puja and aarti should be performed regularly.

Why Is Durva Offered to Lord Ganesha?

Durva grass holds special importance in Ganesh worship. According to religious traditions, offering fresh durva to Lord Ganesha is considered highly auspicious.

Devotees generally offer durva in an odd-numbered arrangement while ensuring it is clean and fresh. The method may vary according to regional and family customs.

Why Should the Moon Be Avoided on Ganesh Chaturthi?

A popular religious belief advises devotees to avoid looking at the Moon on Ganesh Chaturthi. This tradition is connected with the story of Lord Krishna and the Syamantaka jewel.

It is believed that seeing the Moon during the prohibited period may lead to false accusations or misunderstandings. This is a matter of religious faith, and the applicable time should be checked through the local Panchang.

Ganesh Visarjan 2026

The ten-day Ganeshotsav will conclude with Ganesh Visarjan on Friday, 25 September 2026, on the occasion of Anant Chaturdashi.

However, every devotee does not need to keep the idol for ten days. Depending on family tradition, Visarjan may also be performed after one and a half, three, five or seven days.

For an environmentally responsible celebration, devotees may choose an idol made from natural clay and perform Visarjan in a clean container at home wherever appropriate. The water and dissolved clay can later be used respectfully for plants, provided no harmful colours or materials are present.

Conclusion

Ganesh Chaturthi is not merely a festival of rituals; it is an invitation to begin again with wisdom and faith. As Bappa enters the home, devotees pray for the removal of difficulties and the arrival of peace, clarity and prosperity.

Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with devotion, simplicity and responsibility. The grandeur of the decoration may vary, but sincere faith remains the most meaningful offering.