Celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm, this festival marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. In 2026, this vibrant, colorful festival will start on the 18th of September and end on the 28th of September. Here’s what you need to know about Ganesh Chaturthi 2026.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Start And End Date Pooja Timings
When does Ganesh Chaturthi Start and End in 2026?
According to the Hindu calendar, Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 will commence at 12:39 pm on the 18th of September and conclude at 8:43 pm on the 19th of September. The ten-day-long festivities, known as Ganesh Utsav, will then continue until the 28th of September.
The Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayak Chavithi, celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha. According to Hindu mythology, Ganesha is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He is revered as the remover of obstacles and is worshipped at the beginning of any new venture or journey for blessings and good luck.
During Ganesh Chaturthi, devotees bring home beautifully crafted idols of Ganesha and install them in their homes. The idol is worshipped daily with offerings of sweets, flowers, and prayers. On the last day of the festival, the idol is immersed in a water body, a ritual known as Ganesh Visarjan. This symbolizes the departure of Lord Ganesha, taking away the misfortunes and obstacles of his devotees with him.
Click Here for the Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Pooja Procedure Online
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ganesh Chaturthi
Q1: How long is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated? A: Ganesh Chaturthi is a ten-day festival. It starts on the fourth day of Bhadrapada, a month in the Hindu calendar, which falls in August or September in the Gregorian calendar.
Q2: What rituals are performed during Ganesh Chaturthi? A: The festival begins with the installation of Ganesha idols in homes or public pandals. This is followed by Vedic hymns and Hindu texts being chanted and marigold flowers and durva grasses being offered to the idol. Sweet dishes like Modak, considered Ganesha’s favorite food, are prepared and distributed among the community.
Q3: Why is the idol immersed in water at the end of the festival? A: The immersion of the Ganesha idol, called Visarjan, symbolizes the cycle of creation and dissolution in life. It represents the belief that the deity returns to his parents, taking away the misfortunes of all mankind.
In conclusion, Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival of joy, devotion, and celebration. As we approach September 2026, let’s look forward to welcoming Lord Ganesha into our homes and hearts and celebrating this auspicious occasion with zeal and enthusiasm.
Ujjain Mahakal Temple Mrityunjaya Jaap Online Booking Time
Important Tips for Visitors
- Carry sufficient cash — ATMs near temple towns may run out during peak festival periods.
- Book accommodation well in advance — rooms fill up quickly during festival season.
- Be prepared for long queues and allocate extra time for darshan during festivals.
- Check the exact festival dates on the official temple website as lunar calendar dates may shift.
Official Resources
Go Kshetra covers 1,600+ Hindu temples across 28 states. Content sourced from official temple websites and first-hand visits. About our editorial process