Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Check Date, Puja Muhurat and Visarjan
Thiruvananthapuram: Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals in India. Devotees welcome Lord Ganesha into their homes and community pandals with prayers, aarti, music and festive gatherings. However, many devotees are confused about whether Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 falls on September 14 or September 15.
The festival will be celebrated on Monday, September 14, 2026. The Chaturthi tithi will continue until the morning of September 15. However, devotees will observe Ganesh Chaturthi and perform the main puja on September 14.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Date and Chaturthi Tithi
According to the Panchang, Ganesh Chaturthi falls on September 14 this year. The Chaturthi tithi begins at 7:06 AM on September 14 and ends at 7:44 AM on September 15.
This timing explains why some calendars and online posts may show September 15. Hindu festivals generally follow the relevant tithi and the period prescribed for the festival rather than simply using the date on which the tithi ends.
Devotees worship Lord Ganesha as the deity of wisdom, prosperity and auspicious beginnings. Many people also seek his blessings before starting a new venture or important task.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Puja Muhurat in Keralam
In Keralam, Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on Monday, September 14, 2026. According to local Panchang calculations, the Madhyahna Ganesh Puja Muhurat in Kochi will be from 11:07 AM to 1:34 PM. The Chaturthi tithi will begin at 7:06 AM on September 14 and end at 7:44 AM on September 15.
When Is Ganpati Visarjan 2026?
The 10-day Ganeshotsav will conclude with Anant Chaturdashi on Friday, September 25, 2026. Traditionally, devotees perform the grand Ganpati Visarjan on this day.
However, families can follow different visarjan traditions. Some devotees immerse the idol after one-and-a-half, three, five or seven days.
Accordingly, some calendars list September 15 for 1.5-day visarjan, September 16 for three-day visarjan, September 18 for five-day visarjan and September 20 for seven-day visarjan.
Ganpati Visarjan symbolises the farewell of Lord Ganesha. Devotees believe that Bappa returns to his heavenly abode after accepting their prayers and blessings. They also look forward to welcoming him again the following year.
How Different Parts of India Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi
1. Maharashtra: Grand Pandals and Processions
Maharashtra is known for its grand Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Communities install large idols in decorated pandals and organise cultural programmes, devotional events and processions.
Mumbai and Pune witness particularly vibrant celebrations. The festival reaches its grand finale during visarjan processions, when devotees carry idols through the streets amid music, dancing and chants.
2. Goa: Traditional Chovoth Celebrations
Goa celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi as Chovoth. The festival has a strong family-oriented character.
Many families bring home smaller idols and perform traditional rituals with relatives. Homemade food, sweets and family gatherings remain central to the celebrations.
3. Karnataka: Gauri-Ganesha Tradition
Karnataka celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi alongside Gauri Habba, which honours Goddess Gauri, traditionally identified with Parvati.
Families perform Gauri puja before welcoming Lord Ganesha. Flowers, rangoli and lamps add a festive touch to homes.
4. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh
Different states follow their own customs during Ganesh Chaturthi. In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, community celebrations and traditional offerings such as undrallu form part of the festival.
Gujarat combines Ganesh worship with colourful community events, while Madhya Pradesh observes both household and public celebrations.
5. Home Celebrations Across India
Ganesh Chaturthi does not always involve huge pandals or large processions. Many families celebrate the festival quietly at home.
They bring Bappa home, decorate the puja space, prepare modaks, make rangoli, light diyas and perform aarti. Families also distribute prasad among relatives and neighbours.
When the chosen day for visarjan arrives, devotees carry the idol respectfully for immersion while chanting prayers and expressing their hope of welcoming Bappa again next year.
Ganesh Chaturthi reflects India’s rich cultural diversity. From Maharashtra’s massive processions to Goa’s traditional Chovoth and simple household celebrations, every region adds its own character to the festival. At its heart, however, the festival remains a celebration of devotion, wisdom, prosperity and new beginnings.