When is Ganesh Chaturthi in 2026?

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 will be celebrated on September 14, marking Ganesha's birth.
Madhyahna is the most auspicious time for Ganesh Puja, from 11:02 AM to 1:31 PM.
Festival ends with Ganesh Visarjan on September 25, symbolizing the return to cosmos.

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Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most widely observed Hindu festivals in India, marking the birth of Lord Ganesha, the deity worshipped as the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom, prosperity and auspicious

beginnings. People welcome Lord Ganapati to their home and seek his blessings for the well-being for your family and loved ones.

It is celebrated in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Goa.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Date And Tithi

In 2026, Ganesh Chaturthi will be observed on Monday, September 14. The festival falls on the Chaturthi tithi of Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, which traditionally marks the birth of Lord Ganesha.

Chaturthi Tithi begins: 7:06 AM on September 14, 2026
Chaturthi Tithi ends: 7:44 AM on September 15, 2026

The duration of celebrations varies by household and region. Some devotees observe the festival for one and a half days, while others continue for five, seven or ten days, concluding with Ganesh Visarjan.

Ganesh Puja Muhurat And Madhyahna Significance

Ganesh Puja is considered most auspicious during Madhyahna, or midday, as Hindu scriptures state that Lord Ganesha was born during this period.

Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat: 11:02 AM to 1:31 PM
Puja duration: 2 hours 28 minutes

According to Hindu timekeeping, the day is divided into five parts between sunrise and sunset: Pratahkala, Sangava, Madhyahna, Aparahna and Sayankal. Ganapati Sthapana and Shodashopachara Ganapati Puja are ideally performed during Madhyahna, making it the most preferred window for worship.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Moon Sighting Restriction And Mithya Dosha

A significant belief associated with Ganesh Chaturthi is the prohibition against moon sighting on this day. It is said that seeing the moon during Chaturthi leads to Mithya Dosha or Mithya Kalank, meaning false accusation or undeserved blame.

Time to avoid moon sighting: 9:01 AM to 8:08 PM
Duration: 11 hours 08 minutes

As per traditional rules, the moon should not be sighted while Chaturthi Tithi is prevailing. In some cases, depending on moonrise and tithi overlap, the restriction may extend across two days.

Ganesh Chaturthi Vrat Katha and the Syamantaka Mani story

The origin of this belief is explained through the Ganesh Chaturthi Vrat Katha, narrated by Lord Shiva and later elaborated by Sage Narada. The story centres on Lord Krishna and the Syamantaka Mani, a divine jewel bestowed by Surya, the Sun god, upon Satrajit. The jewel produced gold daily but carried strict conditions of purity for its wearer.

When Satrajit’s brother Prasenajit wore the jewel in an impure state, he was killed by a lion during a hunt. Krishna returned to Dwaraka without Prasenajit, leading to suspicion and false accusations against Him. Though Krishna later recovered the jewel from Jambavant and returned it, the allegations continued, even causing discord with His brother Balarama.

Distressed by repeated slander, Krishna sought guidance from Sage Narada, who explained that the cause lay in Krishna having seen the moon on Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi. Narada revealed that Lord Ganesha had once cursed Chandra, the Moon god, for mocking His appearance. Ganesha declared that anyone who looked at the moon on this day would suffer false accusations.

Narada advised Krishna to observe the Ganesh Chaturthi fast and worship Lord Ganesha with devotion. Krishna followed the prescribed vrat and rituals, after which the false accusations against Him were resolved. The story is cited as the reason devotees observe the vrat, avoid moon sighting, and recite the Vrat Katha on Ganesh Chaturthi.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Rituals And Traditions

Ganesh Chaturthi rituals typically include Ganapati Sthapana, invocation of the deity, chanting of mantras, daily aarti and offerings of sweets such as modaks, laddoos and kheer. Homes and pandals are decorated with flowers and lights, and community gatherings often feature devotional music and cultural programmes.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Fasting Rules

Many devotees observe a fast on Ganesh Chaturthi. Permitted foods generally include fruits, milk, sabudana and nuts, while grains, onion and garlic are avoided. The fast is usually broken after evening aarti or the next day, depending on tradition.

Ganesh Visarjan 2026

The festival concludes with Ganesh Visarjan on Friday, September 25, 2026, which coincides with Anant Chaturdashi. Idols are immersed in rivers, lakes or seas amid chants and processions, symbolising impermanence and the belief that the divine presence returns to its cosmic form.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Significance

Ganesh Chaturthi represents new beginnings, discipline, devotion and the removal of obstacles. The cycle of installation and immersion reflects the transient nature of life and reinforces the idea that faith extends beyond physical forms.