Ganesh Chaturthi: Dates, Visarjan and Puja Guide
Ganesh Chaturthi is Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi. In 2026 it falls on August 16, with Ganesh Visarjan on August 25.
2026 guide
Questions about this festival? A Vyom Vaani astrologer is on WhatsApp.
What is Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 date?
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 falls on August 22, 2026 (Saturday), Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi. This is also Shravan Purnima (the date coincides due to tithi timing). The 10-day festival culminates in Anant Chaturdashi on September 1, 2026, with the grand idol immersion (Ganesh Visarjan).
What is the story behind Ganesh Chaturthi?
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birthday of Lord Ganesha, son of Shiva and Parvati. According to the Shiva Purana, Parvati created Ganesha from turmeric paste to guard her bathroom. Shiva, not recognizing the boy, severed his head when Ganesha blocked his entry. Parvati was devastated. Shiva restored Ganesha's life by replacing his head with that of an elephant (from the first creature found pointing north).
How is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated in Maharashtra?
Maharashtra's Ganesh Chaturthi is the most elaborate in India. Huge public Ganesh pandals (especially in Pune and Mumbai) feature enormous decorated idols. The Lokmanya Tilak Ganesh festival (begun in 1893) made it a public celebration and symbol of national unity. The Lalbaugcha Raja (King of Lalbaug) idol in Mumbai attracts millions. The 10-day festival concludes with Visarjan processions to the sea.
What is the significance of Modak for Ganesha?
Modak (a sweet dumpling with coconut-jaggery filling) is Ganesha's favorite food. The Ganapatya tradition says Ganesha received Modak from his mother Parvati after winning a competition with his brother Kartikeya. The crescent-shaped Modak represents the moon on Shiva's head, and eating it invokes Ganesha's blessings. 21 modaks are offered as a traditional Ganesha ritual.
What is the Ganesh Visarjan tradition?
Ganesh Visarjan is the immersion of the Ganesha idol into a water body at the end of the festival (Day 1.5, 3, 5, 7, or 10). The immersion symbolizes Ganesha's return to Mount Kailash with the prayers and sins of devotees. In Mumbai, the procession to Girgaon Chowpatty Beach on Anant Chaturdashi (September 1, 2026) is one of India's grandest festival scenes.
Who is Ganesh?
Ganesha (also Ganapati, Vinayaka, Vighnaharta) is the elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati, the lord of beginnings, remover of obstacles, and patron of learning and wisdom. He is always worshipped first before any Hindu ritual or undertaking. His four hands hold a lotus, an axe, a noose, and a Modak sweet. His mount is the mouse (representing the ego that Ganesha masters).
What are the 12 names of Ganesha?
The 12 sacred names of Ganesha recited during Chaturthi: Sumukha, Ekadanta, Kapila, Gajakarnaka, Lambodara, Vikata, Vighnashaka (or Vighna Rajendra), Dhumravarna, Bhalchandra, Vinayaka, Gajanan, and Bhalachandra. Reciting these 12 names removes all obstacles and grants Ganesha's blessings for success in all endeavors.
What is Vinayak Chaturthi every month?
Besides Ganesh Chaturthi (annual birthday), every Shukla Chaturthi (4th day of the bright fortnight) is celebrated as monthly Vinayak Chaturthi. Devotees fast, visit Ganesha temples, and offer Modak. The monthly Chaturthi amplifies Ganesha's blessing for new beginnings in that month. In 2026, Vinayak Chaturthi occurs once per month throughout the year.