Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Guide: Date, Puja Vidhi, Muhurat & Visarjan

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 will be celebrated on Monday, September 14. The Chaturthi Tithi begins at 7:06 AM on September 14 and ends at 7:44 AM on September 15. The Madhyahna Ganesh Puja Muhurat is 11:20 AM–1:48 PM in Mumbai and 11:16 AM–1:44 PM in Pune.

The main Ganesh Visarjan will take place on Friday, September 25, 2026, on Anant Chaturdashi. However, many households perform Visarjan after 1.5, 3, 5 or 7 days according to their family and regional traditions.

This guide covers the Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 date, puja timings, city-wise Muhurat, Ganesh Sthapana, home puja vidhi, 21 Patra, moon-sighting tradition, mantras, aarti, modak, eco-friendly celebrations and Visarjan dates.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Quick Answer

The festival date and Tithi are based on Panchang calculations, while Puja and moon-sighting timings are location-specific. Always check the Panchang applicable to your city before performing the ritual.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 City-Wise Puja Timings

The Madhyahna period differs slightly from one city to another because the calculation is based on local astronomical conditions.

Important: Do not use Mumbai’s Puja Muhurat for another city. Panchang calculations can vary by location.

What Is Ganesh Chaturthi?

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is observed on the fourth lunar day, or Chaturthi, of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada.

The festival is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, who is traditionally worshipped as Vighnaharta, the remover of obstacles, and associated with wisdom, auspicious beginnings and prosperity.

During Ganesh Chaturthi, devotees may bring a Ganesha idol home, perform Ganesh Sthapana and Puja, offer flowers and food, chant mantras, perform aarti and eventually immerse the idol during Ganesh Visarjan.

What Is Ganesh Chaturthi Called in Different Regions?

Ganesh Chaturthi is known by different names across India. Common names include:

• Ganesh Chaturthi – widely used across India
• Vinayaka Chaturthi – a traditional name used in several parts of South and West India
• Vinayaka Chavithi – commonly used in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
• Ganeshotsav – widely used for the festival and public celebrations, particularly in Maharashtra
• Ganapati Festival – commonly used for Ganapati celebrations, especially in Maharashtra

These names generally refer to the festival associated with the worship of Lord Ganesha during Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi, although local customs and celebrations may differ.

Why Is Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated?

Ganesh Chaturthi is traditionally associated with the birth of Lord Ganesha.

One well-known Puranic account describes Goddess Parvati creating Ganesha and appointing him as her guardian. When Lord Shiva encountered Ganesha, a confrontation followed. Ganesha was later restored to life with an elephant’s head and received an honoured place among the deities.

Different Hindu traditions may interpret the story in different ways. For devotees, Ganesh Chaturthi is an occasion to worship Ganesha and seek wisdom, prosperity, clarity and the ability to overcome obstacles.

Ganesh Chaturthi History: From Worship to Public Ganeshotsav

Ganesha worship has ancient roots, while the modern public Ganeshotsav movement in Maharashtra became especially prominent in the late 19th century.

Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak played an important role in transforming Ganesh Chaturthi into a major public celebration in Maharashtra in 1893. Public celebrations created opportunities for communities to come together through religious, cultural and social activities during the freedom movement.

Pune has also played an important role in the development of public Ganeshotsav.

Today, Ganeshotsav combines household worship with large public celebrations featuring pandals, aarti, music, cultural programmes, art and community initiatives.

How Long Is Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated?

Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations can last for different durations depending on family, regional and community traditions.

Common household durations include:

• 1.5 days
• 3 days
• 5 days
• 7 days
• 10 days

The principal concluding day is Anant Chaturdashi, which falls on September 25, 2026.

Ganpati Duration and Visarjan Dates 2026

The Visarjan date should be determined according to the date of Sthapana and the tradition followed by the family or mandal.

Ganesh Sthapana: How to Install Ganesha at Home

Ganesh Sthapana is the installation of the Ganesha idol in the place where it will be worshipped.

Before Sthapana, clean the puja area, prepare the required samagri and check the local Panchang for the appropriate Muhurat.

Before Ganesh Sthapana

• Clean the home and puja area.
• Take a bath and wear clean clothes.
• Prepare a clean and stable chowki or puja platform.
• Cover the platform with a clean cloth.
• Arrange the puja samagri.
• Keep the Ganesha idol ready.
• Keep flowers, durva, naivedya and aarti items nearby.
• Confirm the local Puja Muhurat.

Step 1: Prepare the Chowki

Place the chowki in a clean and stable location. Cover it with a clean cloth and decorate it with flowers, torans or diyas if desired.

Step 2: Place the Ganesha Idol

Place the Ganesha idol respectfully on the prepared platform and ensure that it is stable and secure.

Step 3: Place the Kalash

If your family tradition includes a Kalash, place it near the idol and perform the preliminary prayers according to your established practice.

Step 4: Perform Sankalpa

Make your Sankalpa, or devotional intention for the Puja. You may pray for wisdom, peace, family well-being, prosperity and strength to overcome obstacles.

Step 5: Perform Ganesha Avahana

Perform Ganesha Avahana, the traditional invocation and welcoming of Lord Ganesha.

In a formal Sthapana, the ritual may also include Pranapratishtha. The exact procedure varies according to the Puja Paddhati followed by the family or priest.

Step 6: Offer the Traditional Upacharas

A detailed Ganesh Puja may follow Shodashopachara, the sixteen traditional forms of worship.

Depending on the tradition, offerings may include:

• Water
• Clothing
• Sacred thread
• Sandalwood or fragrance
• Flowers
• Durva
• Incense
• Diya
• Naivedya
• Other prescribed offerings

If your family performs a formal Shodashopachara Puja, follow the specific procedure provided by your priest rather than combining rituals from different traditions.

Step 7: Offer Haldi, Kumkum and Akshata

Offer haldi, kumkum and akshata according to your family tradition.

Step 8: Offer Flowers and Durva

Offer fresh flowers and durva grass, which is traditionally associated with Lord Ganesha.

Step 9: Perform 21 Patra Puja

If your tradition includes Ekavimshati Patra Puja, offer the prescribed 21 types of leaves while reciting the associated Ganesha names.

The exact list can vary between textual, regional and family traditions.

Step 10: Offer Naivedya

Offer modak, fruits and other prepared food as naivedya.

Modak is particularly associated with Lord Ganesha and is a popular offering during Ganesh Chaturthi.

Step 11: Chant Ganesha Mantras

A simple mantra for home worship is:

Om Gan Ganapataye Namah

Other traditional Ganesha prayers may also be recited according to family practice.

Step 12: Perform Aarti

Perform Ganesh Aarti after the main offerings. In Maharashtra, Sukhkarta Dukhharta is particularly associated with Ganesh worship.

Step 13: Offer Prasad

Conclude the Puja by offering the prepared prasad to family members and guests.

Ganesh Puja Samagri: Practical Checklist

Idol and Setup

• Ganesha idol
• Chowki
• Clean cloth
• Kalash
• Water
• Puja thali

Worship Items

• Haldi
• Kumkum
• Akshata
• Sandalwood
• Flowers
• Durva
• Incense
• Diya
• Oil or ghee
• Camphor, if used according to family tradition

Naivedya

• Modak
• Fruits
• Coconut
• Sweets
• Panchamrit ingredients
• Betel leaves
• Supari

For an elaborate priest-led Puja, obtain the complete samagri list from the priest beforehand.

21 Patra for Ganesh Chaturthi Puja

21 Patra Puja, also known as Ekavimshati Patra Puja, involves offering 21 types of leaves during Ganesh worship. Each Patra is traditionally associated with a particular name of Lord Ganesha.

The exact list can differ between regional traditions and sources. The following list follows the 21-Patra tradition referenced in Drik Panchang.

Important: Not every regional Puja follows this exact list. Other traditional lists may include leaves such as mango, pomegranate, peepal and jasmine. Follow your family’s or priest’s prescribed Patra list.

The associated 21 Ganesha names include names such as Sumukha, Ganadhisha, Umaputra, Gajamukha and Lambodara.

Ganesh Chaturthi Moon Sighting: Why Is the Moon Avoided?

A distinctive tradition associated with Ganesh Chaturthi is avoiding moon sighting on Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi.

According to a traditional Puranic account, seeing the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi is associated with Mithya Dosha, traditionally understood as the possibility of false accusation.

The story is associated with Lord Krishna and the Syamantaka jewel. According to the traditional account, Krishna was falsely accused of stealing the jewel after seeing the moon on Chaturthi.

This is a religious tradition rather than a scientific claim.

Moon-Sighting Time in 2026

The prohibited period is location-specific because the calculation considers the Chaturthi Tithi and local moonrise.

For example, the moon-sighting avoidance period listed for Navi Mumbai on September 14, 2026, is 9:10 AM to 8:36 PM. Mumbai and other locations may have different timings.

Devotees should therefore check their local Panchang rather than relying on a generic moonrise time.

What If You Accidentally See the Moon?

Traditional practice includes reciting the Syamantaka-related mantra and following the prescribed remedy according to one’s tradition.

Those who wish to perform a specific traditional remedy can consult a knowledgeable priest or trusted Panchang.

Ganesh Chaturthi Mantras

Om Gan Ganapataye Namah

Om Gan Ganapataye Namah is a simple and widely used Ganesha mantra that can be recited during Puja or daily devotional practice.

Vakratunda Mahakaya

Vakratunda Mahakaya is a traditional Ganesha prayer commonly recited before auspicious activities.

Om Shri Ganeshaya Namah

Om Shri Ganeshaya Namah is another simple invocation suitable for devotional practice.

Ganesh Chaturthi Aarti

Aarti is generally performed after the main Puja and offerings.

In Maharashtra, Sukhkarta Dukhharta is one of the most recognisable Ganesh Aartis.

You can find the full lyrics as a downloadable PDF — Sukh Karta Dukh Harta Lyrics in English (PDF) or Sukh Karta Dukh Harta Aarti in Marathi (PDF).

Families may perform Aarti:

• During the main Puja
• In the morning
• In the evening
• During family gatherings
• Before Visarjan

The exact Aarti and sequence can vary according to regional and family traditions.

Why Is Modak Offered to Lord Ganesha?

Modak is one of the foods most closely associated with Lord Ganesha.

In Maharashtra, Ukadiche Modak, made with a rice-flour covering and coconut-jaggery filling, is particularly popular during Ganesh Chaturthi.

Other festive foods may include:

• Fried modak
• Puran Poli
• Laddoo
• Kheer
• Coconut-based sweets
• Fruits
• Panchamrit
• Traditional Maharashtrian dishes

There is no single menu followed by every household. The food offered as naivedya depends on family and regional traditions.

Eco-Friendly Ganesh Chaturthi

Eco-friendly celebrations can reduce unnecessary waste while retaining the devotional character of the festival.

Consider:

• Choosing a natural clay or shadu clay idol.
• Avoiding unnecessary plastic decorations.
• Reusing decorations where possible.
• Using flowers, cloth and other reusable materials.
• Reducing disposable items.
• Using authorised immersion facilities.
• Following local municipal instructions.
• Preparing food in quantities that can be consumed.

Where possible, choose an idol and immersion method that comply with local environmental regulations.

Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra

Maharashtra has one of India’s strongest Ganesh Chaturthi traditions.

Celebrations range from household Ganpati to large public Ganeshotsavs featuring:

• Community pandals
• Aarti
• Bhajans
• Cultural programmes
• Music
• Art installations
• Social initiatives
• Environmental campaigns

The festival’s public character exists alongside longstanding household traditions, making Ganeshotsav an important religious and cultural celebration in the state.

Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai

Mumbai is particularly well known for its large-scale Ganeshotsav.

Neighbourhoods across the city install public Ganpati idols, while families bring Ganpati home for shorter or longer periods.

During the final days, large processions take place for Visarjan. Visitors and devotees should follow local traffic, crowd-management, safety and immersion instructions.

Gauri Aagman

Gauri Aagman is observed by many families in Maharashtra as part of the wider Ganesh festival.

Gauri is traditionally associated with Goddess Parvati, the mother of Ganesha. The form and timing of Gauri worship vary between communities and households.

Families following this tradition should follow their established family procedure or consult a priest familiar with their regional custom.

Ganesh Visarjan 2026

The principal Ganesh Visarjan day in 2026 is Friday, September 25, Anant Chaturdashi.

However, many household Ganpatis are immersed earlier according to the duration selected at the time of Sthapana.

Common Ganpati Visarjan Dates

• 1.5-day Ganpati: September 15, 2026
• 3-day Ganpati: September 16, 2026
• 5-day Ganpati: September 18, 2026
• 7-day Ganpati: September 20, 2026
• 10-day Ganpati / Anant Chaturdashi: September 25, 2026

The appropriate date depends on the installation date and the family or community tradition.

Ganesh Visarjan Vidhi

The final ritual can be performed according to the family’s established tradition.

A simple home Visarjan sequence is:

• Clean the Puja area.
• Perform the final Ganesh Puja.
• Offer flowers and durva.
• Offer naivedya.
• Perform Ganesh Aarti.
• Offer a final prayer of gratitude.
• Prepare the idol respectfully for the procession.
• Carry the idol to an authorised immersion location.
• Follow local immersion and safety instructions.
• Complete the immersion respectfully.

Families using a natural clay idol may follow authorised home-immersion procedures where local rules permit them.

Do not assume that home immersion or a particular immersion method is permitted everywhere. Always follow local municipal and environmental guidelines.

During the farewell, devotees traditionally chant:

Ganpati Bappa Morya!

Pudchya Varshi Lavkar Ya!

Ganesh Chaturthi Dos and Don’ts

Dos

• Check your local Panchang.
• Prepare the Puja samagri in advance.
• Follow your family tradition.
• Keep the Puja area clean.
• Choose an idol appropriate for your home and immersion arrangements.
• Consider a natural clay idol.
• Follow authorised immersion guidelines.
• Supervise children around crowded public processions.
• Keep the celebration devotional and respectful.

Don’ts

• Don’t assume another city’s Muhurat applies to you.
• Don’t treat idol size or decoration as a competition.
• Don’t create unnecessary plastic waste.
• Don’t ignore local immersion instructions.
• Don’t take young children into crowded immersion areas without supervision.
• Don’t combine different ritual procedures without understanding the tradition behind them.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Essential Takeaways

For most households, the festival can be planned around these key dates and rituals:

• September 14, 2026: Ganesh Chaturthi and Ganesha Sthapana
• Madhyahna: Preferred period for the main Ganesh Puja
• 21 Patra: Traditional leaf offering followed by many families and regional traditions
• Moon Sighting: Traditionally avoided during the prescribed period on Chaturthi
• September 15: Common 1.5-day Ganpati Visarjan
• September 16: Common 3-day Ganpati Visarjan
• September 18: Common 5-day Ganpati Visarjan
• September 20: Common 7-day Ganpati Visarjan
• September 25, 2026: Anant Chaturdashi and the principal Ganesh Visarjan day

The exact rituals can differ by family, region and Sampradaya. For a formal Puja, the family’s established practice or guidance from a knowledgeable priest should take priority.