The Ganesh Chaturthi in 2026 set to start on Monday, September 14. It is a 10-day festival, where Lord Ganesha is brought into homes and public pandals in India. Also referred to as Vinayaka Chaturthi, this festival commemorates the birth of Lord Ganesha who is worshipped as the Vighnaharta or the god who removes obstacles from people’s paths. The Ganesh Chaturthi festival, which now constitutes prayers, the modak sweet, processions and other celebrations, has become one of the biggest festivals in India.
When Is Ganesh Chaturthi 2026?
In 2026, Ganesh Chaturthi will be observed on September 14. From the information provided in the Hindu calendar by Drik Panchang, the period of Chaturthi Tithi will begin at 7:06 AM on September 14 and end at 7:44 AM on September 15.
The lucky time for Ganesh Sthapana or the installation of Ganesh idol is from 11:02 AM to 1:31 PM.
The celebration will come to an end with the arrival of Anant Chaturdashi on September 25
Background Mythological Story of Ganesh Chaturthi
As per the popular legend of Hinduism, Goddess Parvati created Lord Ganesha from turmeric and sandalwood paste and made him the guardian of her chambers.
When Lord Shiva came and Lord Ganesha did not allow him to enter, it led to a conflict where Lord Shiva cut his head. In order to pacify Parvati, Lord Shiva resurrected him by joining an elephant’s head to Ganesha and gave him the position of Pratham Pujya.
Ganesh Chaturthi marks his birth and falls on Chaturthi Tithi of Shukla Paksha in Bhadrapada.
History of the Festival
Ganesh Chaturthi in its public form finds its origins from the Peshwa era; however, in time it evolved into a family ritual.
Freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak turned it into a big public celebration during the period of freedom movement. Since 1893, Bal Gangadhar Tilak started spreading the sarvajanik Ganesh festival by publishing articles in his journal Kesari, thus bringing together people in a common social place.
The first idol of Ganesh in a public ceremony is connected with Bhausaheb Rangari of Pune.
Celebration of the Festival
This festival is widely celebrated in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Devotees install an idol of Ganapati made of clay or Plaster of Paris both at home and in pandals, and they conduct aarti, offer modaks, durva and hibiscus flowers.
In Maharashtra, the celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi could last for the whole period of 10 days. In Mumbai the most famous public Ganesh Chaturthi celebration is called Lalbaugcha Raja.
People could also decide to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi for one and a half, three, five and seven days.
Ganesh Visarjan 2026 Date
On September 25th, 2026, Ganesh Visarjan will be held on the day of Anant Chaturdashi, wherein the idol is taken in vibrant processions with drums, dance and chanting of “Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya.”
The immersion of the idol takes place in the rivers, lakes or seas and is an indication of Ganesha coming back to Mount Kailash. The entire event also serves as a message of renewal, as devotees eagerly await for Bappa next year.
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