Ganesh Chaturthi, 2026
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayak Chaturthi, is a major Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesh, the remover of obstacles (Vighnaharta), bestower of wisdom (Buddhinath), and the one who grants all forms of the siddhis (Sarvasiddhi-pradaya) and auspiciousness (Mangalmurti) to the devotees.
The Ganesh Puran (Dwitiya Khand, Chapter 5) records that after Sri Ganesh was given his elephant head, Mahadev declared that because he was born on the Chaturthi (fourth lunar day) of the Shukla Paksh (bright half), in the month of Bhadrapad (August-September), devotees would celebrate this day each year to fulfil all their wishes. As we welcome the Lord of Wisdom into our homes, here are answers to some of your frequently asked questions about the festival:
Highlights of the Blog:
- When is Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 celebrated?
- How many days do we celebrate Ganesha Chaturthi?
- What is Anant Chaturdashi, and what happens then?
- What's the difference between Ganesh Chaturthi and Sankashti Chaturthi?
- What is Angarki Chaturthi?
- Why is it advised to avoid looking at the Moon on Chaturthi tithi?
When is Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 celebrated?
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on Monday, September 14, 2026.
Chaturthi Tithi Begins - 09:36 PM on Sep 13, 2026
Chaturthi Tithi Ends - 10:14 PM on Sep 14, 2026
The ideal time for murti Sthapana (idol installation) and main puja is during Madhyahna (midday), believed to be Sri Ganesha's traditional birth time.
Madhyahna Ganesh Puja Muhurat - 11:48 AM to 02:18 PM on
Monday, September 14, 2026
Duration - 02 Hours 30 Mins
To strengthen your connection with the Vighnaharta, you can perform the three-day Ucchishta Ganpati Live Sadhana on the Sadhana App. This sadhana will begin on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi on September 14 and will conclude on September 16, 2026. Click here for more details.
How many days do we celebrate Ganesha Chaturthi?
The festival begins on Bhadrapad Chaturthi and lasts for up to 10 days, concluding on Anant Chaturdashi. However, individual families and communities choose different durations. People often keep the murti for 1.5, 3, 5, 7, 9, or 11 days based on family custom and convenience.
What is Anant Chaturdashi, and what happens then?
Anant Chaturdashi is the Chaturdashi tithi (14th day) of the Shukla Paksh in the month of Bhadrapad. It marks the final day of the 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival, dedicated to bidding farewell to Lord Ganesh. On this day, the Visarjan, or immersion of the idol, takes place.
Uttarpuja, or a final puja, is performed through a special aarti, where devotees express gratitude, offer modaks, and ask for forgiveness for any unintentional mistakes during worship. Then, devotees carry the idol in a procession chanting "Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya" ("O Lord Ganesha, come back early next year") to a river, lake, sea, or designated artificial tank for visarjan.
The visarjan, or immersion, symbolises the spiritual law that as the clay dissolves in water, everything born from nature returns to nature.
What's the difference between Ganesh Chaturthi and Sankashti Chaturthi?
While both Sankashti Chaturthi and Ganesh Chaturthi are sacred observances dedicated to Sri Ganesh, they differ significantly in frequency, significance, and rituals.
Sankashti Chaturthi occurs every month on the Krishna Paksh (dark half) Chaturthi, making it a monthly observance where devotees offer prayers to Sri Ganesha. The word "Sankashti" translates to relieving troubles, making it a day specifically meant to pray for overcoming life's obstacles, hardships, and financial distress. Ganesh Chaturthi, by contrast, is celebrated annually.
What is Angarki Chaturthi?
Angarki Chaturthi, also known as Angaraki Sankashti Chaturthi, is a highly auspicious day that occurs when a Sankashti Chaturthi falls on a Tuesday. The word Angarki comes from Angarak (Sanskrit for "red like glowing coal"), which refers to the planet Mars (Mangal), and Mangalwar (Tuesday) is ruled by the planet Mars. According to tradition, observing a fast and performing puja on Angarki Chaturthi yields the spiritual benefit of fasting for all Chaturthis in that entire year.
In Hindu culture, other important chaturthi tithis observances are:
- Bahula Chaturthi, or Bol Chauth, is celebrated in the month of Bhadrapad. Devotees worship cattle and pray for family prosperity.
- Karak Chaturthi, or Karwa Chauth, is celebrated in the month of Kartik.
- Sakat Chauth, Mahi Chauth or Tilakuta Chaturthi is observed by mothers for their children's well-being.
Why is it advised to avoid looking at the Moon on Chaturthi tithi?
According to traditional beliefs, looking at the Moon on Chaturthi tithi (especially Ganesh Chaturthi) brings Mithya Dosh, the curse of false accusation or dishonour. People avoid seeing the Moon on this day due to a legend involving Lord Ganesh and Chandra Dev.
Once, Sri Ganesh was returning home after enjoying a grand feast of modaks. He tripped and fell, spilling his sweets. Chandra Dev, proud of his looks and radiance, witnessed the fall and burst out laughing. Insulted by the Moon's arrogance and lack of empathy, Sri Ganesh cursed the Moon that anyone who sees it on Chaturthi will suffer false blame, dishonour, or social disgrace. The Moon later asked forgiveness, and the curse was softened, allowing the Moon to wax and wane back to full brightness over time. However, the restriction against looking at the Moon on Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi remained.
If someone accidentally sees the Moon on this night, scriptures suggest reciting or listening to the story of the Syamantaka Jewel from the Shrimad Bhagavatam (Canto 10, Chapter 56), where Sri Krishna cleared himself of a false accusation after accidentally seeing the Moon to negate the effects of the Mithya Dosh.
As the remover of obstacles and deity of new beginnings, Sri Ganesh teaches us that faith and wisdom can overcome any hardship.
This year, let us not just immerse the idol, but also submerge our negativity, while embracing Sri Ganesha’s virtues. As the clay idol dissolves into the water, it gently reminds us that forms are temporary, but devotion is eternal. This spirit of faith, service, and prayer keeps us connected to Sri Ganesha year-round.
May Vighnaharta Sri Ganesh clear every obstacle from your path, bring fruition to your deepest intentions, and bless your family with abundant happiness, prosperity, and spiritual light.
Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya!