Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most joyous and widely celebrated festivals in India, a ten-day celebration welcoming Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and new beginnings. Homes and pandals come alive with devotion, music, and the beloved chant of “Ganpati Bappa Morya.” This guide covers the complete Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 puja vidhi, shubh muhurat, mantras, and rituals so you can celebrate with full devotion.
When is Ganesh Chaturthi 2026?
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 falls in September, on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu month Bhadrapada. The festival begins with the installation (sthapana) of Lord Ganesha and continues for ten days, ending with Anant Chaturdashi and the visarjan (immersion).
The most important ritual is performed during the Madhyahna (midday) muhurat, considered the most auspicious time for Ganesha’s birth and installation. Confirm your city’s exact muhurat from a local panchang.
Puja samagri (required items)
- Clay idol of Lord Ganesha (eco-friendly preferred)
- Wooden chowki with a red or yellow cloth
- Ghee/oil diya, incense, and camphor
- Fresh flowers, especially red hibiscus, and durva grass (21 blades)
- Modak and laddus (Ganesha’s favourite offerings)
- Roli, akshat (rice), sandalwood, coconut, betel leaves and nuts
- Kalash with water, and panchamrit
Ganesh Chaturthi puja vidhi (step by step)
1. Sthapana (installation)
After a morning bath, wearing clean clothes, place the idol on the cloth-covered chowki facing east or north. Sprinkle Ganga jal to purify the space and take the sankalp (vow) stating your name and intention.
2. Pran Pratishtha & invocation
Invoke Lord Ganesha into the idol with devotion, offering flowers and chanting his mantras. Light the diya and incense.
3. Shodashopachar puja
Perform the sixteen-step worship: offer water for bathing, clothes, sandalwood, akshat, flowers, durva grass, incense, lamp, and finally the bhog of modak. Each offering is made with a mantra and full devotion.
4. Offer durva and modak
Durva grass (in bunches of 21) and modak are Ganesha’s most cherished offerings, offering them is considered especially auspicious.
5. Aarti
Conclude the daily worship with the Ganesh aarti “Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh Deva,” then distribute prasad to all.
Powerful Ganesha mantras
- Beej mantra: “ॐ गं गणपतये नमः”
- Vakratunda mantra: “वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ। निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा॥”
Chant these during the puja and throughout the ten days for blessings, wisdom, and the removal of obstacles.
Visarjan (immersion)
On the final day (or your chosen day, 1½, 3, 5, 7, or 10 days), perform a farewell aarti and immerse the idol with the chant “Ganpati Bappa Morya, Agle Baras Tu Jaldi Aa.” Choose an eco-friendly clay idol and immerse responsibly to protect the environment.
Conclusion
Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival of devotion, joy, and fresh beginnings. Celebrate with a clean heart, the proper vidhi, Ganesha’s favourite modak and durva, and his powerful mantras, and welcome wisdom and the removal of obstacles into your home. Ganpati Bappa Morya!
For personalised guidance on puja timings, remedies, or your horoscope, book a consultation with AstroLogic Digital.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the shubh muhurat for Ganesh Chaturthi puja?
The most auspicious time is the Madhyahna (midday) muhurat, as Ganesha is believed to have been born during midday. Exact timings vary by city and year, so confirm with a local panchang or priest for your location.
What should I offer to Lord Ganesha?
Ganesha’s most beloved offerings are modak (sweet dumplings), laddus, durva grass in bunches of 21, and red hibiscus flowers. Along with the standard puja items, these are considered especially auspicious and pleasing to him.
How many days is Ganesh idol kept at home?
Families keep the idol for 1½, 3, 5, 7, or 10 days as per their tradition, with visarjan (immersion) on the chosen day. The full festival runs ten days, ending on Anant Chaturdashi.
Which Ganesha mantra should I chant?
The simple beej mantra “Om Gam Ganpataye Namah” is powerful and easy to chant daily. The Vakratunda Mahakaya shloka is also widely recited for wisdom and removal of obstacles during the festival.
