Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles (Vighnaharta) and the god of wisdom. It marks a 10-day period where Ganesha is welcomed as an honored guest into homes, followed by a ceremonial immersion (Visarjan) that symbolizes the cycle of creation and dissolution.
Timings
| Event | Date & Time (IST) |
|---|---|
| Festival Date | Monday, September 14, 2026 |
| Chaturthi Tithi Begins | 07:06 AM on Sep 14 |
| Chaturthi Tithi Ends | 07:44 AM on Sep 15 |
| Madhyahna Puja (Best) | 11:02 AM to 01:31 PM |
| Ganesha Visarjan | Friday, September 25, 2026 |
Ganesh Chaturthi Special Live Darshan
Step-by-Step Puja Vidhi
1. Installation (Sthapana):
Clean your home and install the Ganesha idol on a decorated platform. Ensure the idol faces East or North.
2. Prana Pratishtha:
During the Madhyahna (midday) muhurat 11:02 AM - 01:31 PM , invoke Ganesha’s presence through mantras. This ritual is believed to breathe life into the idol, welcoming him as a living guest.
3. 16-Step Worship:
Perform the Shodashopachara puja: offer fresh water, panchamrit, sandalwood paste, flowers, and incense to the deity.
4. Sacred Offerings:
Offer Modaks and fresh Durva grass. Important: Always offer the grass in odd-numbered clusters (bundles of three).
5. Aarti & Prayer:
Perform the Aarti with a lit diya, incense, and bells. Seek his blessings to remove all obstacles from your path.
6. Visarjan:
On the 10th day, immerse the idol in a water body, praying for his return next year (Ganpati Bappa Morya).
Lesser-Known Facts
The Origin: Created from Turmeric
Parvati created Ganesha from her own body's turmeric paste to guard her while she bathed. When Shiva returned and was denied entry by the boy, he unknowingly severed Ganesha's head in anger. To appease Parvati and fix his mistake, Shiva replaced the boy's head with an elephant's, restoring Ganesha to life.
The Wisdom: Circling the Universe
Shiva and Parvati challenged Ganesha and his brother Kartikeya to circle the universe to win a divine prize. While Kartikeya flew off, Ganesha simply walked around his parents three times, stating, 'You are my universe.' Impressed by his wit and devotion, Shiva awarded him the prize, cementing Ganesha as the God of Wisdom.
The Moon: The Curse of Mockery
After a feast, Ganesha fell off his mouse, and the Moon mocked him for his appearance. Angered by this ridicule, Ganesha cursed the Moon, declaring that anyone who looks at the Moon on Chaturthi will suffer Mithya Dosha (false accusations). Devotees avoid the moon on this day to protect themselves from being unfairly blamed.