📅 Festival Details at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival Name | Kerala Vinayaka Chaturthi |
| Also Known As | Ganesh Chaturthi (Kerala) |
| Date | 14 September 2026 |
| Day | Monday |
| Malayalam Month | Chingam |
| Paksha | Shukla Paksha |
| Tithi | Chaturthi |
| Deity | Lord Vinayaka (Ganesha) |
| Region | Kerala |
| Calendar System | Malayalam (Solar–Lunar) |
🕉️ What is Kerala Vinayaka Chaturthi?
Kerala Vinayaka Chaturthi marks the worship of Lord Vinayaka in Kerala, observed according to the Malayalam calendar during the month of Chingam.
Though it coincides with Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated across India, Kerala traditions emphasize:
- Temple-based worship
- Simplicity
- Vedic and Tantric rituals
- Cultural restraint
📖 Vinayaka Worship in Kerala Tradition
In Kerala:
- Lord Ganesha is commonly called Vinayakan
- He is worshipped as:
- Remover of obstacles
- Guardian of thresholds
- Patron of learning and arts
Many temples install clay Ganapati idols, often smaller and eco-friendly.
🪔 Kerala Vinayaka Chaturthi Puja Vidhi
🔔 Temple & Home Rituals
- Early morning bath
- Simple altar with Vinayaka idol or picture
- Lighting of oil lamp (nilavilakku)
- Chanting of Ganapati mantras
- Offering of modakam (modak) and coconut
📿 Popular Mantra
ॐ ഗം ഗണപതയേ നമഃ
(Om Gam Ganapataye Namah)
🍽️ Naivedyam & Traditional Offerings
| Offering | Significance |
|---|---|
| Modakam | Favorite sweet |
| Coconut | Purity |
| Payasam | Prosperity |
| Flowers | Devotion |
| Durva grass | Auspiciousness |
🌱 Cultural & Spiritual Significance
Kerala Vinayaka Chaturthi represents:
- Auspicious beginnings
- Removal of mental and material obstacles
- Respect for simplicity and discipline
The festival also aligns with:
- New agricultural cycle
- Cultural renewal during Chingam
🧘 Unique Features of Kerala Celebration
- Minimalistic home pujas
- Strong temple observance
- Less public processions
- Emphasis on inner devotion
This reflects Kerala’s Shaiva–Vaishnava synthesis.
🌊 Visarjan Tradition in Kerala
- Idols are immersed in rivers or seas
- Often on the same day or within a day
- Eco-friendly practices are widely followed
🌼 Spiritual Benefits of Observing Vinayaka Chaturthi
- Smooth beginnings in work and studies
- Blessings before important decisions
- Mental clarity and focus
- Protection from obstacles
❓ Short FAQ – Kerala Vinayaka Chaturthi
Q1. When is Kerala Vinayaka Chaturthi in 2026?
It will be observed on 14 September 2026 (Monday).
Q2. Is it different from Ganesh Chaturthi?
The deity is same, but rituals follow Kerala traditions.
Q3. Which month is it in Malayalam calendar?
It falls in Chingam month.
Q4. Are public pandals common in Kerala?
No, celebrations are mostly temple-based.
Q5. What is special about Kerala Ganapati worship?
Simplicity, eco-friendliness, and temple focus.
Panchang Official