Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: There is confusion over whether Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on September 13 or September 14 this year. According to current Panchang calculations, Monday, September 14, 2026, is the correct date for Ganesh Chaturthi in India. The Chaturthi Tithi begins at 7:06 AM on September 14 and ends at 7:44 AM on September 15.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Is It on September 13 or 14?
The main Ganesh Chaturthi festival will be observed on September 14, 2026. Although some calendars and social-media posts may mention September 13, the festival date is determined by the Chaturthi Tithi prevailing during the Madhyahna period.
This year, Chaturthi begins on September 14 morning and remains in effect until September 15 morning, making September 14 the primary celebration and Ganpati Sthapana day.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Puja Timings
For New Delhi, the Madhyahna Ganesh Puja Muhurat is approximately 11:02 AM to 1:31 PM on September 14. Timings can differ slightly from city to city because Panchang calculations use the local sunrise and sunset.
City-Wise Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Muhurat
| City | Puja Muhurat |
|---|---|
| New Delhi | 11:02 AM–1:31 PM |
| Mumbai | 11:20 AM–1:48 PM |
| Pune | 11:16 AM–1:44 PM |
| Bengaluru | 11:02 AM–1:28 PM |
| Hyderabad | 10:58 AM–1:25 PM |
| Chennai | 10:51 AM–1:18 PM |
| Jaipur | 11:08 AM–1:36 PM |
| Kolkata | 10:18 AM–12:46 PM |
| Ahmedabad | 11:21 AM–1:49 PM |
| Noida | 11:02 AM–1:30 PM |
| Chandigarh | 11:04 AM–1:33 PM |
These are local-time Muhurat calculations and should be treated as city-specific rather than as one nationwide timing.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Ganpati Sthapana Ritual
Devotees traditionally begin by cleaning and decorating the puja area before bringing home the Ganesha idol. The idol is placed on a decorated platform during the auspicious Muhurat.
The basic sequence includes:
- Clean the house and puja space.
- Decorate the altar with flowers and rangoli.
- Bring and install the Ganesha idol.
- Perform Pran Pratishtha and invoke Lord Ganesha.
- Offer flowers, Durva grass, fruits, and sweets.
- Offer modaks, traditionally associated with Lord Ganesha.
- Perform Ganesh Aarti.
- Seek blessings for wisdom, prosperity, and removal of obstacles.
What Is Offered to Lord Ganesha?
Common offerings include 21 blades of Durva grass, flowers, fruits, coconut, and modak. Devotees may also offer other sweets and traditional bhog according to their family customs.
The exact ritual sequence can vary between regions, families, and traditions.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: When Is Ganesh Visarjan?
The 10-day Ganeshotsav will culminate on Anant Chaturdashi, September 25, 2026, when many devotees will perform Ganesh Visarjan.
However, families may choose earlier immersion days depending on their traditions, including one-and-a-half-day, three-day, five-day, or seven-day celebrations.
Why Is Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated?
Ganesh Chaturthi marks the birth or manifestation of Lord Ganesha, who is worshipped as the deity of wisdom, prosperity, and auspicious beginnings. Devotees pray to Ganesha before starting important activities and seek blessings for success and the removal of obstacles.
The festival has both strong religious significance and a major cultural dimension, particularly in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, and several other parts of India.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Prasad Ideas: What to Offer Lord Ganesha?
Prepare traditional offerings such as modak, ladoo, kheer, puran poli, coconut, fruits, and Panchamrit. Modak is especially popular as it is traditionally associated with Lord Ganesha.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Puja Samagri List: What You Need
Keep essential items ready, including Ganesha idol, Durva grass, flowers, kumkum, roli, rice, sandalwood, incense sticks, diya, coconut, fruits, sweets, and Panchamrit.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Decoration Ideas for Home
Decorate the puja area with flowers, torans, rangoli, diyas, and eco-friendly decorations. Green leaves and traditional motifs can also give the setup a festive look.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Dos and Don’ts During Puja
Devotees should maintain cleanliness, perform the puja during the auspicious Muhurat, and offer traditional bhog. Avoid placing the idol directly on the floor and choose an eco-friendly idol wherever possible.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Celebration Guide
For a traditional celebration, devotees can:
- Install an eco-friendly Ganesha idol.
- Decorate the puja area with flowers and rangoli.
- Conduct Ganesh Puja during the local Madhyahna Muhurat.
- Prepare homemade modaks and traditional bhog.
- Organise Aarti and devotional singing.
- Participate in community Ganesh celebrations.
- Choose an environmentally responsible immersion method.
Eco-friendly idols made from natural, biodegradable materials are increasingly encouraged to reduce the environmental impact of visarjan.
