NEW DELHI : Ganesh Utsav begins on the Chaturthi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. “Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated as birth anniversary of Lord Ganesh. On Ganesh Chaturthi, Lord Ganesh is worshipped as the god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune. It is believed that Lord Ganesh was born during Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada month,” states Drik Panchang.
It further mentions, “Lord Ganesha is embodiment of three virtues namely Buddhi, Siddhi and Riddhi known as wisdom, spirituality and prosperity respectively.” According to Mudgala Purana, there are eight incarnations of Lord Ganesha are considered to be Brahmadharaka which are alled Ashta Vinayaka.
The 10-day festival concludes with the immersion of Lord Ganesha’s idol on Anant Chaturdashi, with the visarajan. This year, Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on 14 September 2026. Another festival will be celebrated by married women on this day – Hartalika Teej. “Haritalika Teej is celebrated during Shukla Paksha Tritiya of Bhadrapada month.
Haritalika Teej comes one month after Hariyali Teej and most of the time celebrated one day before Ganesh Chaturthi. During Haritalika Teej women worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati which are made of clay,” states Drik Panchang. But this year it’s falling on same date as Ganesh Chaturthi.
When is Ganesh Chaturthi 2026?
- Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi begins: 14 September 2026, at 5:22 am
- Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi ends: 15 September 2026, at 7:14 am
Key Shubh Muhurat on 14 September
Abhijit Muhurat for Ganpati Sthapana: 12:09 pm to 12:58 pm
Auspicious time for Ganesh Puja: 11:20 am to 1:48 pm
More About Ganesh Sthapana
Wherever the mandap is set up for Lord Ganesha’s idol, draw the sacred swastika. After that, shower flowers and rice over the swastika. Then, perform the Sthapana of Lord Ganesha’s idol. Make sure that the idol faces the north, as it is believed that Lord Ganesha resides in the northern direction.
Fasting Guide For Ganesh Chaturthi
- Many devotees observe fasts during Ganesh Chaturthi as a mark of devotion. Here’s how:
- Choose the fast duration as per your health: full day, half day, or specific hours.
- To maintain purity of mind and body, avoid negative thoughts, gossip, and distractions.
- Completely avoid non-vegetarian food; many also skip onion and garlic.
- Use rock salt (sendha namak) instead of common salt in fasting meals.
- Eat light, sattvik food cooked with minimal oil and spices.
- For nirjal fasts (without water), hydrate well before and after.
