Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 – Key Dates, Muhurats & Simple Home‑Puja Tips

Ganesh Chaturthi this year lands on Monday, 14 September 2026. Across the country families will bring home a Ganesha idol, light incense and begin the celebrations that stretch for almost two weeks.

If you’re planning to set up the idol yourself, the crucial window is the afternoon Sthapana muhurat – from 12:30 pm to 3:02 pm on the same day. That gives you a tidy 2 hours 32 minutes to perform the installation without rushing.

Just a few minutes later, at 3:50 pm, the Bhadra (the formal start of the puja) commences. Many households like to wait for this moment before offering the first aarti, but you can certainly begin the simple rituals during the earlier muhurat as well.

Mark your calendars for the final farewell: the main Ganesh Visarjan is scheduled for Friday, 25 September 2026, the day of Anant Chaturdashi. On this day devotees gather near rivers, lakes or seas to immerse the idols, symbolising Ganesha’s return to his celestial abode.

One tradition that often trips people up is the moon‑sighting restriction, known as Chandra Darshan. On 14 September the period from 11:32 am to 8:50 pm is considered inauspicious for looking at the moon. The belief links a moon sighting in that span to a “Mithya Dosha,” which some interpret as a risk of false accusations later on. Many families simply avoid stepping outside during those hours.

Here’s a quick, down‑to‑earth guide for a home puja:

• Start by cleaning the space – sweep the floor and wipe the altar.
• Lay a fresh red or yellow cloth over a sturdy wooden platform.
• Scatter a handful of rice grains on the cloth before placing the idol.
• Purify the deity with a little water and a dash of Gangajal.
• Put betel nuts on either side of the idol – they stand for Riddhi and Siddhi.
• A kalash filled with water can sit nearby as a symbol of abundance.
• Offer flowers, garlands, fruits, sweets and a piece of sandalwood paste.

Remember, Ganesh Chaturthi is observed on the fourth lunar day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada, commemorating the birth of Lord Ganesha. While the core dates stay the same, regional Panchangs may shift a few minutes here or there, so it never hurts to double‑check with your local priest.

Enjoy the festivities, relish the modak, and let the remover of obstacles bring a smooth path ahead.