📅 Festival Details at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival Name | Ganesh Chaturthi |
| Date | 14 September 2026 |
| Day | Monday |
| Hindu Month | Bhadrapada |
| Paksha | Shukla Paksha |
| Tithi | Chaturthi |
| Deity | Lord Ganesha |
| Festival Duration | 1.5, 3, 5, 7 or 10 days |
| Conclusion | Anant Chaturdashi Visarjan |
| Nature | Public & Domestic Festival |
🕉️ What is Ganesh Chaturthi?
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the divine appearance (janma) of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles (Vighnaharta) and the deity of wisdom, beginnings, and prosperity.
This festival marks:
- Auspicious beginnings
- Removal of hurdles
- Invocation of intellect and success
It is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals across India.
📖 Ganesh Janma Katha (Birth Story)
According to Puranic tradition:
- Goddess Parvati created Ganesha from sandalwood paste
- She appointed him as her gatekeeper
- Lord Shiva, unaware, severed his head
- On realizing the mistake, Shiva restored Ganesha with an elephant head
- He blessed him as:
- First to be worshipped
- Leader of ganas
- Remover of obstacles
This story symbolizes ego dissolution and divine wisdom.
🪔 Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Vidhi
🔔 Morning Rituals
- Clean the house and puja area
- Install Ganesh idol with Pran Pratishtha
- Light lamp and incense
🌼 Offerings to Lord Ganesha
- Modak (favorite sweet)
- Durva grass (21 blades)
- Red flowers
- Fruits and sweets
📿 Mantras
ॐ गं गणपतये नमः
Vakratunda Mahakaya…
🍽️ Ganesh Chaturthi Vrat Rules
- Many devotees observe Ganesh Chaturthi vrat
- Avoid moon sighting on Chaturthi night
- Eat satvik food
- Break fast after moonrise (next day if required)
Vrat promotes discipline and gratitude.
🌙 Moon Sighting Restriction (Chandra Darshan)
It is believed that:
- Seeing the Moon on Ganesh Chaturthi night leads to false accusations (Mithya Dosh)
- If seen accidentally, one should listen to Syamantaka katha
This teaches mindfulness and humility.
🌊 Ganesh Visarjan Significance
Visarjan symbolizes:
- Impermanence
- Cycle of creation and dissolution
- Ganesha returning to his cosmic abode
Devotees bid farewell with:
Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya
🌱 Symbolism of Lord Ganesha
| Feature | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Elephant head | Wisdom |
| Big ears | Listening |
| Trunk | Adaptability |
| Modak | Bliss |
| Mouse | Control over desires |
🧘 Spiritual Benefits of Ganesh Chaturthi
- Removal of obstacles
- Success in new ventures
- Clarity of intellect
- Prosperity and harmony
- Blessings before major life events
🌍 Cultural & Social Significance
Ganesh Chaturthi:
- Promotes community bonding
- Encourages art and creativity
- Inspires eco-friendly practices
- Strengthens cultural identity
❓ Short FAQ – Ganesh Chaturthi
Q1. When is Ganesh Chaturthi in 2026?
It will be celebrated on 14 September 2026 (Monday).
Q2. Why is moon sighting avoided?
To avoid Mithya Dosh as per tradition.
Q3. How long can Ganesh be worshipped?
From 1.5 to 10 days, ending on Anant Chaturdashi.
Q4. What is Ganesha’s favorite offering?
Modak.
Q5. Is Ganesh Chaturthi good for new beginnings?
Yes, it is considered highly auspicious.
Panchang Official