Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the sacred 10-day festivals celebrated in India. The festival is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the god associated with good fortune, luck and obstacle removal. Devotees during this period bring the Lord’s idol, offer prasad (especially modaks), and observe a fast to seek Bappa’s blessings. In 2026, Ganesh Chaturthi is going to be celebrated on Monday, September 14, which is today.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: What Is the Shubh Muhurat to Bring Bappa Home?
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 will be celebrated on Monday, September 14. The Chaturthi Tithi is expected to begin at around 7:06 AM on September 14 and end at around 7:44 AM on September 15. Although the tithi continues into September 15, Ganesh Chaturthi and Ganesh Sthapana will be observed on September 14. For New Delhi, the auspicious Madhyahna Ganesh Puja Muhurat is from 11:02 AM to 1:31 PM on September 14. Devotees planning to bring Bappa home should ideally follow the auspicious timings applicable to their city, as Panchang timings can vary depending on location.
How To Perform Ganesh Chaturthi Puja at Home?
Step 1: Clean the house and puja area
Before beginning the Ganesh Chaturthi puja, clean the house thoroughly, especially the area where Lord Ganesha’s idol will be placed. Keep the puja space neat and peaceful, and decorate it with flowers, rangoli or other traditional decorations if desired. A clean worship area is considered an important part of preparing for the puja.
Step 2: Take a bath and wear clean clothes
Devotees should take a bath before starting the puja and wear clean, preferably traditional, clothes. After getting ready, devotees can sit calmly in front of the puja area and prepare all the required puja items so that the rituals can be performed without interruption.
Step 3: Prepare the chowki
Take a clean wooden chowki and cover it with a fresh red or yellow cloth. Place the chowki in the designated puja area and decorate it with flowers or other auspicious items. The cloth provides a clean and sacred base for placing the Ganesha idol.
Step 4: Place the Lord Ganesha idol
Place the Lord Ganesha idol respectfully on the decorated chowki. The idol should be handled with devotion and placed carefully. Once the idol has been installed, devotees can arrange the puja items around it, including flowers, durva grass, diya, incense, fruits and sweets.
Step 5: Begin the puja with Sankalp
The puja can begin with Sankalp, which is a solemn intention to perform the worship with devotion. Devotees may pray to Lord Ganesha and seek His blessings for the well-being, happiness, prosperity and success of the family. The Sankalp marks the formal beginning of the Ganesh Chaturthi puja.
Step 6: Offer roli, sandalwood, akshat, flowers and durva
Offer traditional puja items to Lord Ganesha, including roli or kumkum, sandalwood paste, akshat (uncooked rice), flowers and durva grass. Each offering is made with devotion and reverence. Durva grass holds a special place in Ganesha worship and is traditionally offered during the puja.
Step 7: Offer modaks, laddoos, fruits and bhog
Prepare a traditional bhog for Lord Ganesha and offer modaks, laddoos, fruits and other sweets or food items according to family tradition. Modak is especially associated with Lord Ganesha and is considered one of the most important offerings during Ganesh Chaturthi. The bhog should be offered respectfully before it is distributed as prasad.
Step 8: Light the diya and incense
Light a diya and incense sticks in front of the Ganesha idol. The lighting of the diya is an important part of the worship and is traditionally associated with removing darkness and invoking a positive and sacred atmosphere. Devotees can also offer flowers while praying to Lord Ganesha.
Step 9: Chant Ganesh mantras and offer prayers
Devotees can chant traditional Ganesh mantras while performing the puja. One of the commonly recited mantras is “Om Gan Ganapataye Namah.” The mantra can be chanted with devotion and concentration. Devotees may also recite Ganesh stotras, prayers or other sacred verses followed according to their family tradition.
Step 10: Perform Ganesh Aarti and distribute prasad
Conclude the puja by performing Ganesh Aarti with devotion and offering prayers to Lord Ganesha. Family members can participate in the aarti and seek blessings for peace, prosperity, wisdom and the removal of obstacles. After the aarti, offer the prepared bhog as prasad and distribute it among family members and devotees.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on traditional beliefs, commonly followed Hindu rituals and Panchang calculations. Puja timings and auspicious muhurats may vary depending on the location and the Panchang followed. Devotees are advised to consult their local Panchang or a qualified priest for location-specific timings and rituals. This article is intended for general informational purposes only.
