Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals, with Maharashtra hosting some of the grandest Ganeshotsav celebrations in the country. The festival begins with the installation of Lord Ganesha idols and continues for several days before concluding with Ganpati Visarjan. This year, confusion has arisen over whether Ganesh Chaturthi falls on September 14 or September 15. According to the Hindu calendar and the Udayatithi rule, Ganesh Chaturthi will be observed on Monday, September 14, 2026.
When Is Ganesh Chaturthi 2026?
The Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi Tithi will begin at 7:06 am on September 14 and end at 7:44 am on September 15. Since the Chaturthi Tithi prevails at sunrise on September 14, the festival will be celebrated on September 14, 2026. Devotees can perform Ganpati Sthapana and begin their worship on this day.
Ganpati Sthapana Muhurat 2026
The Madhyahna period is considered particularly suitable for worshipping and installing Lord Ganesha, as Hindu tradition associates this period with the birth of Ganesha. The Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Muhurat on September 14 will be:
- Date: September 14, 2026
- Ganpati Puja Muhurat: 11:02 am to 1:31 pm
- Festival: Ganesh Chaturthi
Devotees planning to install an idol at home can perform the Sthapana during this auspicious window.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Puja Vidhi
Devotees can follow these simple steps for Ganpati Sthapana and puja:
- Wake up early, take a bath and wear clean clothes.
- Prepare a clean puja space, preferably in the northeast or eastern part of the house.
- Place a wooden platform and cover it with a clean red or yellow cloth.
- Make a small lotus design using rice grains and place the Ganesha idol over it.
- During Sthapana, keep the idol facing the east or north direction.
- Take a sankalp for the puja and invoke Lord Ganesha by chanting “Om Gan Ganpataye Namah.”
- Offer water and Panchamrit to the idol as part of the ritual.
- Apply roli and sandalwood and offer Akshat, Janeu, red cloth and flowers.
- Offer 21 pairs of Durva grass to Lord Ganesha, placing them on his head.
- Prepare modaks or laddus and offer 21 sweets along with fruits.
- Light diyas and incense and perform Ganesh Aarti.
- Conclude the puja by seeking Lord Ganesha’s blessings and forgiveness for any mistakes made during the rituals.
When Is Ganpati Visarjan 2026?
Ganeshotsav traditionally continues for ten days after Ganpati Sthapana. The celebrations culminate on Anant Chaturdashi, when devotees bid farewell to Lord Ganesha through Visarjan.
In 2026, Ganpati Visarjan will be observed on Friday, September 25. Devotees across Maharashtra and other parts of India will take part in processions and immerse Ganesha idols while chanting “Ganpati Bappa Morya.”
