Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 will be celebrated on Monday, September 14, 2026. Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the deity associated with wisdom, prosperity and auspicious beginnings, is worshipped on this sacred day.
For devotees in Varanasi (Kashi), the Madhyahna Ganesh Puja Muhurat on September 14, 2026, is 10:39 AM to 1:07 PM. The Chaturthi Tithi begins at 7:06 AM on September 14 and ends at 7:44 AM on September 15.
In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about Ganesh Chaturthi 2026, including the exact date, Chaturthi Tithi, Ganesh Sthapana Muhurat, Puja Vidhi, Puja Samagri, significance, Visarjan date and important FAQs.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Quick Details
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival | Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 |
| Date | Monday, September 14, 2026 |
| Chaturthi Tithi Begins | September 14, 2026 at 7:06 AM |
| Chaturthi Tithi Ends | September 15, 2026 at 7:44 AM |
| Varanasi Ganesh Puja Muhurat | 10:39 AM to 1:07 PM |
| Main Ganesh Visarjan | Friday, September 25, 2026 |
| Festival Name | Ganesh Chaturthi / Vinayaka Chaturthi |
| Hindu Month | Bhadrapada |
| Significance | Worship of Lord Ganesha |
The date and timings above are based on Panchang calculations for Varanasi and should be understood as local timings.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Kab Hai?
Ganesh Chaturthi will be observed on Monday, September 14, 2026.
Although the Chaturthi Tithi continues until the morning of September 15, the festival is observed on September 14 because the relevant Chaturthi period falls during the daytime worship period used for determining Ganesh Chaturthi. The same 2026 festival date is listed by the Government of India’s Incredible India tourism portal.
Is Ganesh Chaturthi on September 14 or September 15?
The answer is September 14, 2026.
The Chaturthi Tithi begins at 7:06 AM on September 14 and ends at 7:44 AM on September 15. Therefore, devotees should not confuse the Tithi’s ending date with the main festival date.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Puja Muhurat
The most important time for Ganesh Puja is the Madhyahna period, or the midday worship period.
For Varanasi, the 2026 Ganesh Puja Muhurat is:
10:39 AM to 1:07 PM on Monday, September 14, 2026.
The duration of this Muhurat is approximately 2 hours and 28 minutes.
Why Does the Muhurat Vary by City?
Puja timings can differ from one city to another because they depend on local sunrise, sunset and Panchang calculations.
For example, the listed Madhyahna Ganesh Puja Muhurat is different for Varanasi, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata and other cities.
Therefore, if you are performing Ganesh Sthapana outside Varanasi, check the Muhurat for your own location rather than automatically following a timing published for another city.
How to Perform Ganesh Chaturthi Puja at Home
Ganesh Chaturthi Puja can be performed at home with devotion and proper preparation. The exact ritual sequence may vary according to family tradition, regional customs and the guidance of a qualified Pandit.
A simple traditional sequence includes the following steps.
1. Clean the Puja Area
Clean the room or area where you plan to install the Ganesh idol.
Place a clean wooden platform or chowki and cover it with a clean cloth.
2. Prepare the Ganesh Idol
Place a suitable Ganesh idol on the decorated chowki.
Traditionally, many devotees prefer an eco-friendly clay idol, particularly when the idol will later be immersed in water.
3. Light the Lamp
Light a diya and incense before beginning the main worship.
The lamp represents light, purity and the removal of negativity.
4. Perform Sankalp
Take a devotional resolution, or Sankalp, for the Ganesh Chaturthi Puja.
Mention your intention and pray to Lord Ganesha for wisdom, peace, prosperity and the removal of obstacles.
5. Offer Traditional Puja Items
Offer items such as:
- Water
- Roli or Kumkum
- Akshat
- Sandalwood
- Flowers
- Durva grass
- Fruits
- Modak
- Incense
- Diya
- Naivedya
6. Offer Durva
Durva grass is traditionally associated with Lord Ganesha and is an important offering during Ganesh Puja.
7. Offer Modak
Modak is one of the most popular offerings associated with Lord Ganesha.
You can offer homemade or traditionally prepared modaks as Naivedya.
8. Recite Ganesh Mantras
Devotees may recite traditional Ganesh mantras according to their family or spiritual tradition.
A commonly known mantra is:
Om Gan Ganapataye Namah
9. Perform Ganesh Aarti
Complete the worship with Ganesh Aarti and devotional prayers.
After the Aarti, distribute Prasad among family members and devotees.
Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Samagri List
Preparing the Puja Samagri in advance makes the worship more organized.
Basic Ganesh Puja Samagri
- Ganesh idol
- Puja chowki
- Clean cloth
- Roli/Kumkum
- Akshat
- Sandalwood
- Durva grass
- Fresh flowers
- Garland
- Incense sticks
- Diya
- Ghee or oil
- Camphor
- Kalash
- Coconut
- Betel leaves
- Fruits
- Modak
- Other sweets
- Panchamrit ingredients
- Water
- Naivedya
- Aarti plate
The exact list can vary according to your family’s tradition and the type of Ganesh Puja being performed.
Why Is Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated?
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is a major Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
Lord Ganesha is traditionally worshipped as the deity associated with wisdom, knowledge, auspicious beginnings and the removal of obstacles.
The festival occurs on the fourth lunar day, or Chaturthi, of the Shukla Paksha of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. The Government of India’s Incredible India portal describes Ganesh Chaturthi as a celebration of the arrival of Lord Ganesha and notes its traditional 10-day festival period.
For devotees, the festival is an opportunity to seek Lord Ganesha’s blessings before beginning important personal, professional or spiritual activities.
What Is the Significance of Lord Ganesha?
Lord Ganesha is widely known as:
- Vighnaharta – the remover of obstacles
- Ganapati – lord of the Ganas
- Vinayaka – a revered name of Ganesha
- Ekadanta – the one with a single tusk
Devotees worship Lord Ganesha before important ceremonies and new beginnings.
Ganesh Chaturthi therefore has both spiritual and cultural importance for millions of devotees.
Why Is Durva Offered to Lord Ganesha?
Durva grass is traditionally considered an important offering to Lord Ganesha.
During Ganesh Chaturthi Puja, devotees commonly offer fresh Durva along with flowers, fruits and other traditional offerings.
If you follow a specific family or regional tradition, you can follow that tradition for the number and arrangement of Durva blades.
Why Are Modaks Offered to Lord Ganesha?
Modak is one of the best-known offerings associated with Lord Ganesha.
The sweet is traditionally prepared during Ganesh festivals and offered as Naivedya.
Different regions prepare different varieties, including steamed and fried modaks.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Visarjan Date
The main Ganesh Visarjan associated with Anant Chaturdashi in 2026 falls on:
Friday, September 25, 2026.
However, Ganesh idols may also be immersed earlier according to individual family and community traditions.
Some devotees perform Visarjan after:
- 1.5 days
- 3 days
- 5 days
- 7 days
- 10 days
The exact Visarjan tradition can vary by region, family custom and local practice.
What Is Anant Chaturdashi?
Anant Chaturdashi is the fourteenth lunar day of Shukla Paksha and is traditionally associated with the conclusion of the Ganeshotsav period.
For many communities, it is the principal day for Ganesh Visarjan.
Ganesh Visarjan: Things to Keep in Mind
Ganesh Visarjan is a deeply devotional ceremony.
Before immersion, devotees generally perform Aarti and offer prayers to Lord Ganesha.
For an environmentally responsible celebration:
- Prefer natural clay idols.
- Avoid idols containing harmful materials.
- Follow local immersion regulations.
- Use designated artificial or community immersion facilities where available.
- Avoid polluting natural water bodies.
- Dispose of flowers and Puja materials responsibly.
Always follow the local administration’s rules for Visarjan.
Ganesh Chaturthi in Varanasi
Varanasi, also known as Kashi, has a deep connection with Hindu religious traditions and Vedic worship.
For devotees living in or visiting Varanasi, Ganesh Chaturthi can be observed at home, in temples or through traditional Puja arrangements.
For 2026, the Varanasi-specific Madhyahna Ganesh Puja Muhurat is:
10:39 AM to 1:07 PM on September 14, 2026.
Because religious timings can depend on location, devotees in other cities should use their local Panchang rather than automatically applying Varanasi timings.
Ganesh Chaturthi Puja at Home vs. Puja by a Pandit
A simple home Puja can be performed by devotees according to their family tradition.
However, some families prefer a traditional Vedic Puja performed by a Pandit, particularly when they want a more formal Sankalp, mantra recitation and ritual sequence.
If you are arranging a traditional Ganesh Puja, choose a qualified and experienced Pandit and confirm the ritual requirements beforehand.
Important Things to Remember on Ganesh Chaturthi
Before beginning your Puja, keep these points in mind:
- Confirm the date according to your local Panchang.
- Check the Muhurat for your city.
- Prepare the Puja Samagri in advance.
- Keep the Puja area clean.
- Follow your family’s traditional rituals where applicable.
- Keep the Ganesh idol in a respectful and suitable place.
- Prepare Prasad in advance.
- Follow local rules for Visarjan.
- Prefer environmentally responsible celebration methods.
- Perform the Puja with devotion rather than focusing only on elaborate arrangements.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Frequently Asked Questions
When is Ganesh Chaturthi in 2026?
Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on Monday, September 14, 2026.
Is Ganesh Chaturthi on September 14 or September 15, 2026?
The main Ganesh Chaturthi festival date is September 14, 2026. The Chaturthi Tithi ends at 7:44 AM on September 15.
What is the Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Muhurat in Varanasi?
The Varanasi Madhyahna Ganesh Puja Muhurat is 10:39 AM to 1:07 PM on September 14, 2026.
When does Chaturthi Tithi begin in 2026?
Chaturthi Tithi begins at 7:06 AM on September 14, 2026.
When does Chaturthi Tithi end in 2026?
Chaturthi Tithi ends at 7:44 AM on September 15, 2026.
When is Ganesh Visarjan in 2026?
The main Ganesh Visarjan associated with Anant Chaturdashi is Friday, September 25, 2026.
What should I offer Lord Ganesha during Ganesh Chaturthi?
Common offerings include Durva grass, flowers, fruits, sweets and Modak, along with traditional Puja items.
Can Ganesh Chaturthi Puja be performed at home?
Yes. Devotees can perform Ganesh Puja at home according to their family tradition. Those who want a formal Vedic ritual may arrange a qualified Pandit.
Why is Ganesh Chaturthi important?
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates Lord Ganesha and is associated with wisdom, auspicious beginnings and the removal of obstacles.
Do Ganesh Chaturthi timings remain the same throughout India?
No. Muhurat timings can vary by location. For example, the Varanasi timing differs from timings calculated for other Indian cities.
Final Thoughts
Ganesh Chaturthi is more than a festival date on the Hindu calendar. It is a time for devotion, prayer, family worship and seeking the blessings of Lord Ganesha for wisdom, prosperity and the removal of obstacles.
In 2026, Ganesh Chaturthi falls on Monday, September 14. For Varanasi, the Madhyahna Ganesh Puja Muhurat is 10:39 AM to 1:07 PM, while the main Ganesh Visarjan is observed on September 25, 2026.
Whether you celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi at home, in a temple or through a traditional Vedic Puja, the most important part of the festival is sincere devotion and respect for the traditions you follow.
May Lord Ganesha bless you and your family with wisdom, happiness, prosperity and success. Ganpati Bappa Morya!
