New Delhi: Few festivals can transform an entire neighbourhood overnight quite like Ganesh Chaturthi. Streets begin to glow, homes make space for a beloved
new guest, devotional music fills the air, and, for millions of devotees, Lord Ganesha becomes the centre of family and community celebrations. In 2026, the festival arrives in September – with the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi falling on Monday, September 14.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 date
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, will be celebrated on September 14, 2026. The festival marks the birth or manifestation of Lord Ganesha, the Hindu deity traditionally associated with wisdom, prosperity, auspicious beginnings and the removal of obstacles.
According to the Hindu lunar calendar, the festival is observed on the Shukla Paksha Chaturthi, the fourth day of the waxing fortnight, in the month of Bhadrapada.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 puja muhurat
For New Delhi, the Chaturthi tithi begins at 7:06 AM on September 14 and ends at 7:44 AM on September 15, according to Drik Panchang.
The recommended Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat in Delhi is 11:02 AM to 1:31 PM on September 14. Puja timings vary by location because they are calculated according to local sunrise and other astronomical factors.
Devotees traditionally install a Ganesha idol at home or at a public pandal, perform pran-pratishtha and offer prayers, flowers, durva grass, fruits and sweets, with modak among the most closely associated offerings.
When is Ganesh Visarjan 2026
The period of celebration can vary from one day to several days, with many households and public celebrations following a multi-day schedule. The traditional culmination is Anant Chaturdashi, when elaborate processions and idol immersions take place.
In 2026, Anant Chaturdashi falls on Friday, September 25. Drik Panchang lists September 25 as the Ganesh Visarjan date.
The immersion symbolises a poignant cycle: devotees welcome Ganesha with devotion, celebrate his presence and finally bid him farewell, traditionally accompanied by prayers for his return the following year.
Why is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated
Beyond its spectacular public celebrations, Ganesh Chaturthi carries deep religious significance. Ganesha is revered as Vighnaharta, the remover of obstacles, and as the deity invoked before many important beginnings.
The festival has also developed a powerful cultural identity, particularly in Maharashtra, where public Ganeshotsav became an important community tradition. Today, celebrations extend far beyond Maharashtra, with major festivities across Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Delhi and several other parts of India.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Is it public holiday
September 14 is listed as a Ganesh Chaturthi holiday in several official government holiday calendars, including the 2026 holiday list published by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. Holiday status, however, can differ between states, institutions and employers.
For travellers, the festival also means a major seasonal rush. Central Railway has announced 246 special Ganpati train services for the 2026 festive period, particularly to accommodate passengers travelling towards Maharashtra’s Konkan region.
As September approaches, the countdown to Ganesh Chaturthi is therefore not merely about a date on the calendar. It marks the return of a festival that brings together faith, family, music, art, food and community – before the familiar farewell echoes through the streets: Ganpati Bappa Morya!
