When Is Ganesh Chaturthi in 2026? Date, Puja Muhurat, Visarjan & More
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most loved Hindu festivals in India. Every year, devotees welcome Lord Ganesha into their homes and community pandals with prayers, decorations, sweets and celebrations. The festival is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi and is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Goa and many other parts of India.
If you are wondering when Ganesh Chaturthi is in 2026, the festival will be celebrated on Monday, September 14, 2026. The 10-day Ganesh festival will continue until Anant Chaturdashi on Friday, September 25, 2026, when many devotees perform Ganesh Visarjan.
When Is Ganesh Chaturthi in 2026?
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 will be celebrated on Monday, September 14, 2026.
According to the Hindu calendar, Ganesh Chaturthi falls on the Chaturthi Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. In 2026, the Chaturthi Tithi begins on September 14 and ends on September 15. Based on the traditional sunrise-day calculation, Ganesh Chaturthi will be observed on September 14.
Here are the important dates at a glance:
| Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Event | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Ganesh Chaturthi | September 14, 2026 | Monday |
| Ganesh Chaturthi Puja | September 14, 2026 | Monday |
| Ganeshotsav Begins | September 14, 2026 | Monday |
| Anant Chaturdashi | September 25, 2026 | Friday |
| Ganesh Visarjan | September 25, 2026 | Friday |
The exact duration of celebrations can be different from family to family. Some people keep Ganesha idols for one and a half days, three days, five days, seven days or 10 days. Many large public celebrations continue until Anant Chaturdashi.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Puja Muhurat
The main Ganesh Chaturthi puja is traditionally performed around Madhyahna, or the midday period. This is considered an important time for worshipping Lord Ganesha on Chaturthi.
For Delhi/New Delhi, the Ganesh Chaturthi puja muhurat in 2026 is approximately 11:02 AM to 1:31 PM on September 14. The timing can change depending on the city, so people should check a local Panchang before performing the puja.
For example, the listed Madhyahna puja timings for some cities are:
- New Delhi: 11:02 AM to 1:31 PM
- Mumbai: 11:20 AM to 1:48 PM
- Pune: 11:16 AM to 1:44 PM
- Bengaluru: 11:02 AM to 1:28 PM
- Ahmedabad: 11:21 AM to 1:49 PM
These are local timings and can vary from one location to another.
When Does Ganesh Chaturthi Tithi Start and End in 2026?
According to the Delhi Panchang, the Chaturthi Tithi begins at 7:06 AM on September 14, 2026, and ends at 7:44 AM on September 15, 2026. However, Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on September 14 because of the traditional day-based calculation used for the festival.
This is one reason why festival dates should not be decided simply by looking at when a Tithi starts or ends. The festival date is generally determined using the Hindu Panchang and sunrise-based calculations.
Why Is Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated?
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated to honour Lord Ganesha, who is worshipped as the deity of wisdom, good fortune and success.
Lord Ganesha is also popularly known as Vighnaharta, meaning the one who removes obstacles. Many devotees begin important work by praying to Lord Ganesha and seeking his blessings.
During Ganesh Chaturthi, devotees bring a Ganesha idol home or install one in a community pandal. The idol is decorated and worshipped with flowers, lamps, sweets and other traditional offerings.
The festival is not only a religious celebration. In many parts of India, it also brings families, friends and local communities together.
How Is Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated?
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations usually begin with bringing the Ganesha idol home or installing it at a public pandal. The idol is then worshipped during the festival period.
A typical home celebration may include:
- Cleaning and decorating the puja area before bringing Bappa home.
- Installing the Ganesha idol on a decorated platform.
- Offering flowers, durva grass, fruits and sweets such as modak.
- Performing Ganesh Aarti with family members.
- Offering prayers for happiness, wisdom, success and prosperity.
- Saying goodbye to Bappa through Ganesh Visarjan on the chosen visarjan day.
Celebrations at public pandals can include larger decorations, cultural programmes, devotional music and community events.
Ganesh Visarjan 2026: When Will Ganpati Visarjan Happen?
The 10-day Ganeshotsav will conclude with Anant Chaturdashi on Friday, September 25, 2026. This is also a major day for Ganesh Visarjan, when devotees traditionally immerse the Ganesha idol in water.
However, not every family keeps the idol for all 10 days. Some families perform visarjan after 1.5 days, 3 days, 5 days, 7 days or another chosen period according to their family tradition.
The main idea behind visarjan is to respectfully bid farewell to Lord Ganesha after the period of worship and welcome him again in the future.
Is Ganesh Chaturthi a Public Holiday in India?
Ganesh Chaturthi is an important festival, but whether it is a holiday depends on the state, organisation, school or workplace.
For example, several states observe a holiday on September 14, 2026, while holiday arrangements can differ in other parts of India. Schools and private organisations may also follow their own calendars.
Therefore, if you are planning travel, school activities or office leave around Ganesh Chaturthi, it is better to check your state or organisation’s latest holiday calendar.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Important Things to Know
If you are planning to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi at home this year, remember these important points:
- Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 is on September 14, Monday.
- The main puja is traditionally performed around midday.
- Puja timings can be different in different cities.
- Ganeshotsav can be celebrated for different numbers of days depending on family tradition.
- Anant Chaturdashi falls on September 25, 2026.
- Eco-friendly Ganesha idols are a good choice to help reduce harm to water bodies.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Gifts and Celebration Ideas
Ganesh Chaturthi is also a beautiful time to share happiness with family, friends and loved ones. If you are visiting someone’s home during Ganeshotsav, a small festive gift can make the occasion more special.
You can consider gifts such as:
- Decorative diyas and candles
- Ganesh-themed home décor
- Sweets and dry fruits
- Festive gift hampers
- Flowers and traditional puja items
- Personalised gifts for family and friends
A thoughtful gift does not have to be expensive. Even a small gesture can add warmth to the celebration.
Final Thoughts
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 will be celebrated on Monday, September 14. It marks the beginning of Ganeshotsav, a festival filled with devotion, family gatherings, colourful decorations, prayers and celebrations.
For devotees following the 10-day celebration, Anant Chaturdashi and the main Ganesh Visarjan day will fall on Friday, September 25, 2026.
Whether you welcome Bappa into your home for one day or celebrate the full 10-day festival, Ganesh Chaturthi is a wonderful occasion to spend time with loved ones and begin the festive season with faith, positivity and happiness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ganesh Chaturthi 2026
Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on Monday, September 14, 2026.
The 10-day Ganeshotsav will end with Anant Chaturdashi on September 25, 2026.
For Delhi, the Madhyahna Ganesh Puja Muhurat is approximately 11:02 AM to 1:31 PM on September 14, 2026.
The main Ganesh Visarjan day will be Friday, September 25, 2026, on Anant Chaturdashi. Families may also perform visarjan earlier depending on their tradition.
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations can last from one and a half days to 10 days or more, depending on local and family traditions.
It is a holiday in several states, but the exact holiday status depends on the state, school, office or organisation. It is best to check the latest local holiday calendar.
