By Richa Pathak | Founder, Jyotish Dham, Mumbai | Vedic Astrologer with 25+ Years of Experience

Published and reviewed by Jyotish Dham, Mumbai’s trusted astrology, Vastu and numerology consultancy.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Date and Muhurat

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 will be celebrated on Monday, September 14, 2026. The festival will conclude with Ganesh Visarjan on Friday, September 25, 2026, which is also Anant Chaturdashi.

The Chaturthi Tithi begins at 7:06 AM on September 14, 2026 and ends at 7:44 AM on September 15, 2026.

The most auspicious time for Ganesh Sthapana 2026 is the Madhyahna Muhurat, from 11:02 AM to 1:31 PM on September 14, 2026.

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most important Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the deity associated with wisdom, prosperity, new beginnings and the removal of obstacles. The festival is celebrated with great devotion throughout India, especially in Maharashtra.

For personalised guidance based on your birth chart, you can book a consultation with Richa Pathak at Jyotish Dham.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Important Dates and Timings

Event

Date

Timing

Ganesh Chaturthi Sthapana

Monday, September 14, 2026

Chaturthi Tithi Begins

September 14, 2026

7:06 AM

Chaturthi Tithi Ends

September 15, 2026

7:44 AM

Ganesh Sthapana Madhyahna Muhurat

September 14, 2026

11:02 AM to 1:31 PM

Moon Viewing Avoidance Period

September 14, 2026

9:01 AM to 8:09 PM

Ganesh Visarjan and Anant Chaturdashi

Friday, September 25, 2026

Ganesh Visarjan 2026 Dates

Devotees can keep the Ganesh idol for different durations depending on their family tradition.

Festival Duration

Visarjan Date

Day

1.5 Days

September 15, 2026

Tuesday

3 Days

September 16, 2026

Wednesday

5 Days

September 18, 2026

Friday

7 Days

September 20, 2026

Sunday

10 Days and Anant Chaturdashi

September 25, 2026

Friday

The ten day celebration ending on Anant Chaturdashi is one of the most widely observed traditions.

Why Is Madhyahna Muhurat Important for Ganesh Sthapana?

The Ganesh Sthapana Muhurat 2026 falls during the Madhyahna period from 11:02 AM to 1:31 PM on September 14.

Madhyahna is traditionally considered an auspicious period for the installation and worship of Lord Ganesha. Devotees perform Prana Pratishtha and other important rituals during this period to welcome Lord Ganesha into their homes.

If the main Madhyahna Muhurat cannot be followed, the complete Chaturthi Tithi can also be considered for Ganesh Sthapana according to individual family traditions.

Why Should You Avoid Looking at the Moon on Ganesh Chaturthi?

According to traditional Puranic belief, devotees should avoid looking at the moon during a specific period on Ganesh Chaturthi.

For Ganesh Chaturthi 2026, the moon viewing avoidance period is from 9:01 AM to 8:09 PM on September 14.

The tradition is connected with the story of Lord Ganesha and the moon. It is believed that viewing the moon during this period may lead to Mithya Dosha, which is traditionally associated with false accusations or blame.

If someone accidentally sees the moon during this period, traditional practices include reciting the Syamantaka Mani story or chanting Om Gam Ganapataye Namah 108 times while facing north.

Spiritual Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi

Why Is Lord Ganesha Worshipped First?

Lord Ganesha is known as Prathameshwara, meaning the deity who is worshipped first.

Before beginning a new activity, ceremony or spiritual ritual, devotees traditionally seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha. His elephant head represents wisdom, his large ears represent attentive listening, his small eyes represent concentration and his large belly represents the ability to accept and contain life’s experiences.

His broken tusk is also associated with sacrifice and wisdom and is traditionally connected with the writing of the Mahabharata.

The Story Behind Ganesh Chaturthi

According to traditional Hindu mythology, Goddess Parvati created Ganesha and gave him the responsibility of guarding her entrance.

When Lord Shiva returned and Ganesha stopped him from entering, a conflict took place and Ganesha lost his head. Seeing Parvati’s grief, Lord Shiva restored Ganesha by giving him the head of an elephant.

This story represents transformation, devotion, wisdom and the power of divine blessings.

Lord Ganesha and Ketu in Vedic Astrology

In Vedic Astrology, Lord Ganesha is traditionally associated with Ketu, the south lunar node.

Ketu is connected with past life karma, detachment, spiritual development and sudden changes. When Ketu is considered weak or afflicted in a birth chart, a person may experience confusion, repeated obstacles or unexpected situations.

Lord Ganesha worship is traditionally considered beneficial for people seeking relief from such obstacles and for those looking for greater clarity and stability.

For personalised guidance, consult Richa Pathak at Jyotish Dham.

Who Should Observe Ganesh Chaturthi Puja?

Ganesh Chaturthi Puja can be especially meaningful for:

1. People with a weak or afflicted Ketu in their Kundli

2. People experiencing repeated obstacles in career, business or personal matters

3. Students seeking concentration and academic clarity

4. Business owners starting a new venture or expansion

5. People dealing with Kaal Sarp Dosha according to their Kundli

6. Couples seeking blessings for family growth

7. People beginning a new home, career or important phase of life

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Puja Samagri

Preparing the Ganesh Puja Samagri in advance helps devotees perform the puja peacefully.

Main Items for Ganesh Sthapana

Ganesh Idol: A natural Shadu clay idol is traditionally preferred.

Puja Chowki: A clean wooden platform covered with red or yellow cloth.

Gangajal: Used for purification and Abhishek.

Durva Grass: One of the most important offerings for Lord Ganesha.

Red Flowers: Hibiscus and roses are commonly offered.

Modak: A traditional favourite offering of Lord Ganesha.

Panchamrit: Prepared using milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar.

Coconut: Used as an auspicious offering.

Supari and Betel Leaves: Used for traditional puja offerings.

Sandalwood Paste: Used for applying tilak.

Kumkum and Turmeric: Used during different stages of the puja.

Kalash: Filled with water and decorated with mango leaves and coconut.

Incense and Camphor: Used during the puja and Aarti.

Ghee Diya: Used as part of the Deepa offering.

Fruits and Sweets: Offered as Naivedya.

Dakshina: Offered according to individual capacity and tradition.

Ganesh Sthapana Puja Vidhi

Preparation Before Ganesh Chaturthi

Before Ganesh Chaturthi 2026, clean the house thoroughly and prepare the area where the idol will be installed.

Keep the Ganesh Puja Samagri ready and arrange the puja platform with a clean red or yellow cloth.

Choose a natural clay idol and prepare the required offerings.

Devotees can also prepare modaks in advance and take a Sankalpa according to their intention for the festival.

Step 1: Purification

Take a bath before the puja and wear clean clothes. Red and yellow are traditionally associated with Lord Ganesha.

Step 2: Kalash Sthapana

Fill a copper or clay Kalash with water. Place mango leaves around the opening and a coconut on top. Tie a sacred thread around the Kalash and place it near the idol.

Step 3: Prana Pratishtha

Place the Ganesha idol on the prepared platform.

The Prana Pratishtha should ideally be performed during the Ganesh Sthapana Muhurat from 11:02 AM to 1:31 PM.

Sprinkle Gangajal over the idol and invoke Lord Ganesha with devotion while chanting:

Om Gam Ganapataye Namah

Step 4: Shodashopachara Puja

The traditional sixteen offerings include water, bathing rituals, clothing, sacred thread, sandalwood paste, flowers, Durva, incense, lamp, Naivedya, betel leaves, Dakshina, Pradakshina and Namaskara.

Step 5: Ganesh Mantra

Chant:

Om Gam Ganapataye Namah

Devotees may chant the mantra 108 times.

The Ganesha Gayatri Mantra can also be recited according to individual tradition.

Step 6: Ganesh Aarti

After completing the main puja, devotees can recite Ganapati Atharvashirsha followed by Shri Ganesh Aarti.

Step 7: Daily Ganesh Puja

During the festival, devotees can perform morning and evening puja with fresh flowers, Durva and Naivedya.

Chanting Om Gam Ganapataye Namah and performing Aarti daily is considered an important part of the celebration.

Why Is Durva Grass Important for Lord Ganesha?

Durva Grass is considered one of the most sacred offerings for Lord Ganesha.

Traditional stories explain that Durva was offered to Lord Ganesha to relieve great heat after he defeated a powerful demon.

For this reason, Durva became one of his most loved offerings.

Fresh green Durva is generally offered in sets of three or other traditional odd numbers according to family practice.

Why Is Modak Offered to Lord Ganesha?

Modak is one of the most popular offerings during Ganesh Chaturthi.

The sweet is traditionally prepared using rice flour, coconut and jaggery. Modak represents happiness, wisdom and spiritual fulfilment.

Offering Modak to Lord Ganesha is considered a prayer for knowledge, prosperity and happiness.

Ganesh Visarjan 2026 Puja Vidhi

Ganesh Visarjan represents the ceremonial farewell of Lord Ganesha after devotees have welcomed him into their homes.

It is traditionally performed with gratitude and devotion.

Steps for Ganesh Visarjan

1. Perform the regular morning puja.

2. Offer flowers, Durva, Modak and other Naivedya.

3. Perform the final Uttarpuja.

4. Chant Om Gam Ganapataye Namah.

5. Perform the final Aarti.

6. Offer prayers and request Lord Ganesha to return again the following year.

7. Carry the idol respectfully for Visarjan.

8. Immerse the idol in water while chanting Ganpati Bappa Morya.

The traditional chant is:

Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya

Eco Friendly Ganesh Chaturthi 2026

Choosing an eco friendly Ganesh Chaturthi celebration can help devotees honour religious traditions while also caring for nature.

A natural Shadu clay Ganesha idol is traditionally preferred because it can dissolve naturally in water.

Devotees can also use natural decorations such as mango leaves, flowers and banana leaves instead of plastic decorations.

Home Visarjan in a suitable water container can also be considered where permitted.

The dissolved clay water can be used for plants after the Visarjan process.

Rashi Wise Ganesh Chaturthi Remedies

According to the traditional approach followed at Jyotish Dham, devotees can focus on different intentions according to their Rashi.

Rashi

Recommended Intention

Offering

Mesha

Control anger and support career growth

Red hibiscus

Vrishabha

Financial stability and family harmony

Coconut and jaggery Modak

Mithuna

Communication and new opportunities

Durva

Karka

Home peace and emotional stability

White flowers and rice Kheer

Simha

Leadership and recognition

Ghee lamp and flowers

Kanya

Debt resolution and relationship clarity

Green Durva

Tula

Marriage and relationship harmony

Rose flowers and sandalwood

Vrishchika

Transformation and release of past karma

Durva and Ganapati Atharvashirsha

Dhanu

Wisdom and higher education

Yellow flowers

Makara

Career growth and professional recognition

Sesame Modak

Kumbha

Social growth and new ideas

Coconut water

Meena

Creativity and spiritual development

White flowers and banana

For personalised Kundli guidance, consult Jyotish Dham and Richa Pathak.

Ten Days of Ganesh Chaturthi 2026

Day

Date

Main Theme

Day 1

September 14

New Beginnings

Day 2

September 15

Strength

Day 3

September 16

Wisdom

Day 4

September 17

Abundance

Day 5

September 18

Relationships

Day 6

September 19

Karma and Spiritual Growth

Day 7

September 20

Creativity

Day 8

September 21

Protection

Day 9

September 22

Fulfilment

Day 10

September 25

Gratitude and Visarjan

Frequently Asked Questions About Ganesh Chaturthi 2026

When is Ganesh Chaturthi in 2026?

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 falls on Monday, September 14, 2026. Ganesh Visarjan on Anant Chaturdashi will take place on Friday, September 25, 2026.

What is the best Ganesh Sthapana Muhurat in 2026?

The best Ganesh Sthapana Muhurat 2026 is from 11:02 AM to 1:31 PM on September 14, 2026.

Why should we avoid looking at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi?

According to traditional belief, looking at the moon during the specified period on Ganesh Chaturthi may result in Mithya Dosha, associated with false accusations.

How many days can Ganesh Chaturthi be celebrated?

Families may celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi for 1.5, 3, 5, 7 or 10 days depending on their family tradition.

Which planet is associated with Lord Ganesha?

In Vedic Astrology, Lord Ganesha is traditionally associated with Ketu, the south lunar node.

What are the main Ganesh Puja Samagri items?

Important items include a Shadu clay Ganesha idol, Durva Grass, red flowers, Modak, Gangajal, Panchamrit, Kalash, sandalwood paste, incense, camphor and a Ghee Diya.

Is a clay Ganesha idol better for Visarjan?

A natural Shadu clay idol is generally considered a more environmentally responsible choice because it can dissolve naturally during Visarjan.

About Richa Pathak and Jyotish Dham

Richa Pathak is a third generation astrologer and the founder of Jyotish Dham, Mumbai. With more than 25 years of experience, she provides guidance in Kundli Analysis, Vastu Shastra and Numerology.

Her approach combines traditional Vedic knowledge with practical guidance for career, relationships, business, property and important life decisions.

This Ganesh Chaturthi 2026, welcome Lord Ganesha with devotion and seek blessings for wisdom, prosperity, peace and the removal of obstacles.

For personalised Astrology, Vastu and Numerology consultation, visit Jyotish Dham.

Location: Chandivali, Powai, Mumbai
Consultation: Online and Offline
Website: www.jyotishdham.com

Ganpati Bappa Morya!