Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 will be celebrated from Monday, September 14, to Friday, September 25, 2026. The festival begins with Ganesh Sthapana during the Madhyahna Muhurat (11:02 AM to 1:31 PM) and concludes with Anant Chaturdashi Visarjan. Lord Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed deity, is worshipped first before any auspicious beginning. This 10-day festival is observed with great devotion across India, bringing together families and communities in celebration of wisdom, prosperity and new beginnings. Here is the complete schedule, puja timings, fasting rules, moon sighting advisory and public holiday details.
Why is Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated?
The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Parvati created Ganesha from sandalwood paste and breathed life into him. When Lord Shiva returned and was denied entry by Ganesha, a fierce battle ensued, leading to Ganesha being beheaded. Later, Shiva replaced his head with that of an elephant, bringing him back to life and blessing him as the first among all deities. Lord Ganesha is widely known as the remover of obstacles, the god of wisdom and the patron of arts and sciences. The public celebration of Ganeshotsav was popularized by freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak in the late 19th century, who transformed it into a large community event to unite people and spread awareness about India’s independence movement. Today, the festival continues to inspire devotion, cultural pride and social harmony.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Muhurat and Important Timings
| Event | Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Chaturthi Tithi Begins | September 14, 2026, at 07:06 AM |
| Chaturthi Tithi Ends | September 15, 2026, at 07:44 AM |
| Ganesh Sthapana Muhurat | 11:02 AM to 01:31 PM (September 14) |
The most auspicious time for Ganesh Sthapana (idol installation) and worship is during the Madhyahna Muhurat, which falls between 11:02 AM and 01:31 PM on September 14, 2026. This period is considered the ideal time for welcoming Lord Ganesha into homes and performing the main installation rituals.
Moon Sighting Advisory
Devotees are advised to avoid looking at the moon between 09:15 AM and 09:47 PM on September 14, 2026, to avoid the Mithya Kalank (false allegations) curse, according to traditional belief.
Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Samagri (Required Items)
People performing Ganesh Puja at home should arrange the following items:
- Clay Ganesh Idol
- Durva Grass
- Red Flowers
- Modak
- Coconut
- Betel Leaves
- Betel Nut
- Incense Sticks
- Ghee Lamp
- Kumkum
- Rice
- Fruits
- Sandalwood paste
How to Perform Ganesh Sthapana at Home
- Clean the house thoroughly before the puja
- Place the idol facing east direction
- Perform Sankalp (taking the vow to observe the ritual)
- Offer Durva grass and red flowers to the deity
- Offer Modak and coconut as bhog
- Recite Ganesh Aarti and mantras
- Perform Aarti with a ghee lamp to conclude the ritual
Complete Ganesh Festival 2026 Schedule
| Date | Day | Event | Tradition |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 14, 2026 | Monday | Aagman and Ganesh Sthapana | Shodashopachara Pooja |
| September 15, 2026 | Tuesday | 1.5 Day Visarjan | Optional immersion |
| September 16, 2026 | Wednesday | 3 Day Visarjan | Traditional short immersion |
| September 17, 2026 | Thursday | Gauri Avahan | Welcoming Goddess Gauri |
| September 18, 2026 | Friday | Gauri Pujan and 5 Day Visarjan | Special prayers, immersion |
| September 19, 2026 | Saturday | Gauri Visarjan and 7 Day Ganpati Visarjan | Farewell to Gauri, traditional immersion |
| September 20-24, 2026 | Sunday to Thursday | Mid-Festival Worship | Daily aartis, Modak offerings |
| September 25, 2026 | Friday | Anant Chaturdashi Visarjan | Grand Finale immersion |
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Fasting Rules
Many devotees observe a fast on the first day of the festival. According to the available information, the fast is observed on Monday, September 14, 2026. Devotees may observe either a complete waterless fast (Nirjala) or a Phalar fast consisting of fruits, milk and sabudana. The fast is traditionally broken after completing the Madhyahna Pooja and offering bhog, such as Modaks, to Lord Ganesha during the afternoon.
Public Holiday Details
Ganesh Chaturthi on September 14, 2026, is a gazetted public holiday in several Indian states, including Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Gujarat. Government offices, schools and banks in these states will remain closed in observance of the festival. On Anant Chaturdashi (September 25, 2026), major cities such as Mumbai and Pune witness large Ganesh Visarjan processions, resulting in local school closures and traffic restrictions in several areas.
Festival Concludes with Grand Visarjan
Ganeshotsav 2026 will be celebrated from September 14 to September 25, beginning with Ganesh Sthapana and concluding with the grand Anant Chaturdashi Visarjan. Throughout the festival, devotees will observe daily worship, Gauri celebrations, different Visarjan traditions, fasting and community prayers before bidding farewell to Lord Ganesha on the final immersion day.
Conclusion
Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a festival; it is a celebration of faith, unity and new beginnings. As devotees prepare to welcome Lord Ganesha into their homes, the festival brings families together, strengthens community bonds and fills hearts with devotion and hope. Observing the rituals with sincerity, whether for 1.5, 3, 5, 7 or 10 days, ensures that the blessings of wisdom, prosperity and success remain with all. The grand immersion on Anant Chaturdashi is not an end, but a reminder that Lord Ganesha will return next year, bringing with him the same joy, faith and endless possibilities. May this Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 bring peace, happiness and fulfillment to all devotees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When does Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 begin and end?
A1. Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 begins on Monday, September 14, 2026, and concludes with Anant Chaturdashi Visarjan on Friday, September 25, 2026.
Q2. What is the auspicious time for Ganesh Sthapana in 2026?
A2. The most auspicious time for Ganesh Sthapana is during the Madhyahna Muhurat between 11:02 AM and 01:31 PM on September 14, 2026.
Q3. What are the different visarjan dates during Ganeshotsav 2026?
A3. Important visarjan dates include September 15 (1.5 Day), September 16 (3 Day), September 18 (5 Day), September 19 (7 Day), and September 25 (Anant Chaturdashi Final Visarjan).
Q4. What are the fasting rules for Ganesh Chaturthi?
A4. Devotees may observe either a complete waterless fast (Nirjala) or a Phalar fast consisting of fruits, milk and sabudana. The fast is broken after the Madhyahna Pooja on September 14.
Q5. Is Ganesh Chaturthi a public holiday?
A5. Yes, Ganesh Chaturthi on September 14 is a gazetted public holiday in several states including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Goa.