Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Date, Shubh Muhurat for Ganpati Sthapana and Puja Timings by City
Prepare for Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 with our definitive guide! Discover the exact date, Monday, September 14, 2026, and the auspicious 'Shubh Muhurat' for Ganpati Sthapana. Get precise city-wise puja timings for New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and more, ensuring you celebrate the birth of Lord Ganesha with perfect adherence to tradition.
Every year, as the monsoon season embraces the subcontinent, a palpable sense of excitement builds across India, heralding the arrival of Ganesh Chaturthi. This cherished festival, a magnificent tribute to Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity revered as the remover of obstacles, the god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune, brings communities and families together in joyous celebration. In 2026, the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on Monday, September 14, marking the beginning of the ten-day-long Ganeshotsav.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Date and Significance
Ganesh Chaturthi is observed on the Chaturthi Tithi (fourth day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. While some confusion may arise due to the Chaturthi Tithi commencing on the evening of September 13, the festival's primary day for Sthapana (idol installation) is fixed for September 14, 2026, as the tithi prevails during the Madhyahna (midday) period. The Chaturthi Tithi officially begins at 7:06 AM on September 14, 2026, and concludes at 7:44 AM on September 15, 2026. The festival culminates on Friday, September 25, 2026, with Ganesh Visarjan, also known as Anant Chaturdashi, when idols are immersed in water bodies, bidding farewell to Bappa with hopes of his return next year. Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Public Holiday List: Is September 14 a Bank Holiday in Your State? Check Details.
Shubh Muhurat for Ganpati Sthapana on September 14, 2026
The most auspicious time for Ganpati Sthapana and Puja is during the "Madhyahna" period, as Lord Ganesha is believed to have been born during midday. Devotees should refer to their local Panchang for precise timings, as muhurats can vary slightly based on geographical location and sunrise calculations.
Here are the Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Muhurat timings for major Indian cities on September 14, 2026 (all timings are in IST):
| City | Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat |
|---|---|
| Delhi | 11:02 AM to 1:31 PM |
| Mumbai | 11:20 AM to 1:48 PM |
| Pune | 11:16 AM to 1:44 PM |
| Kolkata | 10:18 AM to 12:46 PM |
| Chennai | 10:51 AM to 1:18 PM |
| Hyderabad | 10:58 AM to 1:25 PM |
| Bengaluru | 11:02 AM to 1:28 PM |
| Jaipur | 11:08 AM to 1:36 PM |
| Ahmedabad | 11:21 AM to 1:49 PM |
| Noida | 11:02 AM to 1:30 PM |
| Gurgaon | 11:03 AM to 1:31 PM |
| Chandigarh | 11:04 AM to 1:33 PM |
It is traditionally advised to avoid sighting the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi night, as it is believed to bring "Mithya Dosha" or false accusations. For New Delhi, the moon sighting should be avoided between 09:06 AM and 08:04 PM on September 14, while for Mumbai, it's from 9:10 AM to 8:37 PM.
Puja Vidhi and Rituals
The Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations begin with bringing home an idol of Lord Ganesha and performing "Pranapratishtha' to invoke the divine presence into the idol. This is followed by "Shodashopachara Puja", a sixteen-step ritual of worship. Offerings typically include modak (Ganesha's favourite sweet), durva grass (ideally 21 blades), red flowers, sandal paste, and a lit ghee lamp. Daily aarti is performed in the morning and evening, accompanied by chanting of Ganesha mantras. Families decide on the duration of their celebrations, typically observing Ganesha for 1.5, 3, 5, 7, or the full 10 days until Visarjan.
Celebrations Across India
Ganesh Chaturthi is a pan-Indian festival, though it is celebrated with exceptional grandeur in Maharashtra, where it's known as Ganeshotsav. In South Indian states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, the festival is referred to as Vinayaka Chavithi or Vinayaka Chaturthi. While the core essence remains the same, worshipping Lord Ganesha, regional customs and traditions add a unique flavour to the festivities. Throughout the 10 days, communities organize cultural events, participate in processions, and share meals, fostering a spirit of unity and devotion. Although it is an optional holiday in India, most businesses remain open, allowing devotees to balance their spiritual observances with daily life. Mumbai: Thousands Join Mumbadevi Cha Maharaja’s Grand Aagman Sohala Ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi (Video).
As Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 approaches, devotees across India are gearing up to welcome Lord Ganesha into their homes and hearts, seeking his blessings for a prosperous and obstacle-free year ahead.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 08, 2026 01:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
