Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Date, Auspicious Timings, and Puja Vidhi Explained

Get ready to welcome the beloved Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and harbinger of new beginnings, as Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 approaches! This vibrant festival, celebrated with immense zeal and devotion across India and by Hindus worldwide, marks the birth of Ganpati Bappa. Planning ahead ensures a celebration filled with blessings and joy.

Here’s your comprehensive guide to the date, auspicious timings, and traditional rituals for Ganesh Chaturthi 2026.

When is Ganesh Chaturthi 2026? Mark Your Calendars!

In 2026, Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayak Chaturthi, will be celebrated on Saturday, August 22, 2026.

This day will kick off the ten-day grand festivities that culminate in Anant Chaturdashi, when Lord Ganesha returns to his heavenly abode, taking with him all the worries and obstacles of his devotees.

Auspicious Timings for Ganesha Puja (Muhurat)

To ensure your prayers are most potent and received with divine grace, observing the puja during the auspicious Muhurat is crucial.

The Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat, considered the most ideal time, is:

• Madhyahna Ganesha Puja: 11:00 AM to 01:25 PM
• Duration: 2 Hours 25 Mins

This mid-day period is believed to be the time when Lord Ganesha is most accessible to his devotees, showering them with his blessings.

It's the perfect window to perform your main puja and offerings.

Chaturthi Tithi Details: The Sacred Window

Understanding the exact start and end times of the Chaturthi Tithi (the fourth day of the lunar fortnight) is vital for precise observance:

• Chaturthi Tithi Begins: 07:13 AM on August 22, 2026
• Chaturthi Tithi Ends: 05:43 AM on August 23, 2026

While the Chaturthi Tithi extends into the early hours of August 23rd, the main celebrations and puja are traditionally performed on August 22nd during the Madhyahna Muhurat.

Moon Sighting Timings: A Note of Caution

Tradition advises against sighting the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi as it is believed to bring bad luck or calumny.

If you wish to avoid moon sighting on this day, be mindful of these timings:

• Moon Will Be Visible From: 09:37 AM to 08:31 PM (on August 22, 2026)
• Duration: 10 Hours 54 Mins

Devotees often take precautions or perform a specific ritual to nullify any potential negative effects if they inadvertently sight the moon during this period.

Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Vidhi: A Step-by-Step Guide

Performing the puja with devotion and according to traditional customs enhances the spiritual experience.

Here’s a simple guide to help you:

1. Preparation: On the morning of Ganesh Chaturthi, take a purifying bath and adorn yourself in clean, fresh clothes. Cleanse your puja area thoroughly, perhaps decorating it with flowers and rangoli.
2. Idol Placement: Place a beautifully adorned idol of Lord Ganesha on a raised platform or altar.
3. Offerings (Upachara): Begin by lighting a lamp and incense sticks.

   Offer fresh flowers, especially red hibiscus, which is a favorite of Ganesha. Durva grass (a specific type of three-leafed grass) is also essential.

4. Sweet Delights: Offer Modak, Ganesha's favorite sweet, along with ladoos, other sweets, and fresh fruits.
5. Chanting Mantras: Chant powerful Ganesha mantras like "Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha" or the Ganesha Atharvashirsha to invoke his blessings.
6. Aarti: Conclude the puja by performing the Ganesha Aarti, singing hymns in praise of the Lord, and circulating the light of the lamp.
7. Fasting: Many devotees choose to observe a partial or full fast on this day, breaking it after the evening puja or at sunset.
8. Visarjan: The idol is worshipped for 1.5, 3, 5, 7, or 10 days, with the grand immersion ceremony (Visarjan) typically occurring on Anant Chaturdashi (the tenth day).

As Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 draws near, immerse yourself in the spirit of devotion, joy, and new beginnings.

May Lord Ganesha bless you with prosperity, wisdom, and success, removing all obstacles from your path. Ganpati Bappa Morya!