Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 falls on Monday, 14 September 2026 — the Chaturthi (fourth day) of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. It marks the start of the ten-day Ganeshotsav, ending with Anant Chaturdashi and the immersion of the idol.
Below you'll find the key panchang details for the day — chaturthi tithi timings, the shubh muhurat for Ganesha sthapana, and the visarjan schedule — followed by a simple puja vidhi and ideas for celebrating even when family is spread across cities.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 — Key Timings at a Glance
Note: panchang timings vary slightly by city and by the almanac followed. Please confirm the exact muhurat for your location with a local panchang or your family priest.
Why the Midday Muhurat Matters in 2026
Ganesha sthapana is traditionally done during the Madhyahna period, because Lord Ganesha is believed to have been born at midday on Chaturthi. In 2026, that window falls between approximately 11:02 AM and 1:31 PM on 14 September, while the Chaturthi tithi is in full effect — making it the most auspicious time to install the idol at home or in a pandal.
Families who cannot manage the exact midday slot can install the idol any time the Chaturthi tithi is active on the 14th, though the Madhyahna muhurat remains the most preferred window across most panchangs.
Simple Ganesh Puja Vidhi — Step by Step
- Clean and decorate the puja space; place the Ganesha idol on a raised platform facing west or as per family tradition.
- Begin with sankalp (a short vow of intent), followed by invoking Ganesha with Prana Pratishtha to welcome him into the idol.
- Offer akshat (unbroken rice), durva grass, red flowers, and modak or laddoo — Ganesha's favourite sweets.
- Light a diya and incense, perform aarti, and recite the Ganesh mantra or Atharvashirsha if your family follows that tradition.
- Repeat the aarti daily through the festival (1.5, 3, 5, 7, or 10 days depending on family custom) until visarjan.
- On the chosen visarjan day, take the idol in procession and immerse it with prayers for an early return next year.
Celebrating Across Distance
Ganeshotsav is deeply community-driven, but distance doesn't have to mean sitting it out:
- Join the pandal aarti on video call. Many family and neighbourhood pandals now livestream the sthapana and daily aarti for relatives abroad.
- Order eco-friendly idols in advance. Clay or eco-friendly Ganesha idols ship faster when ordered a week or two before Chaturthi.
- Send a personalised digital card. Add your name to a Ganesh Chaturthi greeting card and share it on WhatsApp the moment sthapana begins — it's free and takes under a minute.
- Pair it with the right words. Browse our 2026 festival calendar to plan Ganeshotsub alongside the other festivals coming up this season.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Ganesh Chaturthi in 2026?
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 falls on Monday, 14 September 2026, marking the start of the ten-day Ganeshotsav festival.
What is the shubh muhurat for Ganesha sthapana?
The Madhyahna muhurat, from about 11:02 AM to 1:31 PM on 14 September 2026, is considered most auspicious since Ganesha is believed to have been born at midday. Confirm exact timings for your city with a local panchang.
What are the Chaturthi tithi timings?
The Chaturthi tithi begins around 7:06 AM on 14 September 2026 and continues into the early hours of 15 September, keeping the entire day of the 14th auspicious for sthapana.
When is Ganesh Visarjan in 2026?
The festival concludes with Anant Chaturdashi on Thursday, 24 September 2026. Many families also choose shorter cycles — 1.5, 3, 5, or 7 days — based on tradition.
Can I send a Ganesh Chaturthi greeting if I'm not home for the festival?
Yes — you can create a personalised Ganesh Chaturthi card with your name and share it on WhatsApp, free, right from this site.
Get Your Ganesh Chaturthi Card Ready
Personalise a beautiful Ganesh Chaturthi greeting card with your name now, and share it on WhatsApp the moment sthapana begins. Free, instant, no login.
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