Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Auspicious Timings, Sthapana Muhurat, and Visarjan Schedule

The ten-day festival of Ganeshotsav commences on Monday, September 14, 2026. Devotees across the country welcome Lord Ganesha into homes and public pandals, seeking the removal of obstacles and the blessings of prosperity and wisdom.

According to the Hindu calendar, the Chaturthi Tithi of Bhadrapada Shukla Paksha begins at 7:06 AM on September 14 and concludes at 7:44 AM on September 15. The traditional mid-day (Madhyahna) period provides an ideal window of roughly two and a half hours for idol installation and core rituals.

Key Timings for September 14, 2026

Installation and Worship Rituals

• Clean the altar thoroughly and place a fresh red or yellow cloth over a raised wooden platform (chowki).
• Install the idol, invoke the deity’s presence (Avahana), and perform ritual bathing (Snana) using holy water or Panchamrit.
• Apply sandalwood paste, vermilion (Sindoor), and offer fresh red flowers along with sacred Durva grass—an essential offering cherished by Lord Ganesha.
• Present traditional sweets, notably Modak and Laddus, alongside seasonal fruits.
• Conclude the ceremony with Aarti, lighting a ghee lamp and incense to seek peace, health, and barrier-free beginnings.

Important Guidelines

• Avoid Moon Sighting: Refrain from looking at the moon between 9:06 AM and 8:04 PM to avoid Mithya Dosha (false accusations), per traditional folklore.
• No Tulsi Leaves: Do not offer Tulsi (Holy Basil) to Lord Ganesha, as its use is strictly prohibited in his worship rituals.
• Respect the Rahu Kaal: The main installation window begins well after Rahu Kaal concludes at 9:13 AM, ensuring smooth and unobstructed rites.

Visarjan Dates

The grand immersion ceremony takes place on September 25, 2026, marking Anant Chaturdashi. Depending on family traditions and community customs, devotees may also conduct early immersion rites on the 1.5-day, 3rd, 5th, or 7th day of the festival.