Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Date, Puja & Significance
The festival of Lord Ganesha
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, beginnings and the remover of obstacles. It begins on the Chaturthi of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada.
The festival runs for up to ten days. Clay idols of Ganesha are installed in homes and public pandals, worshipped each day, and finally carried in joyful processions to be immersed in water on Anant Chaturdashi.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Date
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 is on Monday, 14 September 2026. It is observed on Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi — the Chaturthi tithi of the Shukla paksha in the lunar month of Bhadrapada.
Hindu festival dates follow the lunar calendar and can vary by a day between regions and traditions. Always confirm the date and timings with your local panchang.
The Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesha is the son of Shiva and Parvati. A well-known story tells how Parvati created a boy from turmeric paste to guard her door. When the boy stopped Shiva from entering, Shiva, not knowing him, severed his head — and then, to console Parvati, restored him to life with the head of an elephant.
As the remover of obstacles, Ganesha is invoked at the start of every venture — a journey, a wedding, a business, a new home. No auspicious task in Hindu tradition begins without first honouring him.
The ten-day festival took on a public form in the 19th century, when the leader Lokmanya Tilak turned household Ganesh worship into a community celebration that could bring people together. Today the Ganeshotsav, especially in Maharashtra, is one of India’s most vibrant festivals.
Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Vidhi
- Install a clay idol of Ganesha on a clean, decorated altar, invoking his presence through the pranapratishtha ritual.
- Offer durva grass, red flowers, modak and laddoo — the sweets Ganesha is especially fond of.
- Perform the puja each day of the festival with lamps, incense and the chanting of Ganesha mantras.
- Recite the Ganesha aarti, “Sukhkarta Dukhharta”, and distribute prasad to all.
- On the final day, carry the idol in procession and immerse it in water (visarjan), bidding Ganesha farewell until next year.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Ganesh Chaturthi in 2026?
Ganesh Chaturthi in 2026 falls on Monday, 14 September 2026, on Bhadrapada Chaturthi.
Why is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated?
Ganesh Chaturthi marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom and new beginnings and the remover of obstacles. He is honoured at the start of every important undertaking.
Why is the Ganesha idol immersed in water?
The immersion, or visarjan, on the final day symbolises Ganesha’s return to his celestial home, carrying away the obstacles and misfortunes of his devotees. It also reflects the cycle of creation and dissolution.
What sweets are offered to Lord Ganesha?
Modak, a sweet dumpling, is Ganesha’s most beloved offering, along with laddoo. Durva grass and red flowers are also essential to his puja.