Maharashtra School Holiday on Anant Chaturdashi 2026: All About September 25 Closure
Planning for Anant Chaturdashi 2026? Get all the essential details about the Maharashtra school holiday on Friday, September 25. This guide covers the confirmed closure for Ganesh Visarjan, auspicious puja timings, the spiritual significance of worshipping Lord Vishnu, and key rituals associated with this vibrant festival.
As the Ganesh Utsav (Ganeshotsav) fervour sweeps across Maharashtra, attention turns to its grand finale: Anant Chaturdashi. This auspicious day, slated for Friday, September 25, 2026, holds dual significance as it not only marks the spectacular Ganesh Visarjan but is also a dedicated day for worshipping Lord Vishnu. However, students, parents and educators across the state, this means a confirmed school holiday, ensuring everyone can participate in the celebrations safely and conveniently.
What Is Anant Chaturdashi?
Anant Chaturdashi is a deeply revered Hindu festival observed on the fourteenth day of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the Bhadrapada month. The term "Anant" translates to "infinite" or "endless" and on this day, devotees primarily worship Lord Vishnu in his eternal, infinite form as Ananta. It is believed that observing the Anant Vrat (fast) and performing puja on this day brings prosperity, stability, protection, and harmony. The festival also carries the ancient legend of Sushila and Sage Kaundinya, highlighting the importance of faith and commitment.
Beyond its dedication to Lord Vishnu, Anant Chaturdashi is widely recognised as the final day of the ten-day-long Ganesh Chaturthi festival, particularly in Maharashtra. On this day, devotees bid a heartfelt farewell to their beloved Lord Ganesha by immersing his idols in water bodies, chanting "Ganpati Bappa Morya, pudhchya varshi lavkar ya!" (O Lord Ganesha, come back soon next year!). Ganesh Visarjan 2026 Date, Shubh Muhurat, Puja Vidhi: All About Anant Chaturdashi.
Anant Chaturdashi 2026: Date and Timings
For 2026, Anant Chaturdashi falls on Friday, September 25. The Chaturdashi Tithi (lunar date) begins late on September 24 and extends throughout September 25, making the entire day auspicious for observances.
Key Timings for September 25, 2026 (Mumbai Time):
- Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: September 24, 2026, at approximately 11:18 PM
- Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: September 25, 2026, at approximately 11:06 PM
Ganesh Visarjan Shubh Muhurat (Mumbai Choghadiya Timings):
| Period | Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | 06:28 AM | 10:59 AM |
| Afternoon | 12:30 PM | 02:01 PM |
| Evening | 05:02 PM | 06:32 PM |
| Night | 09:31 PM | 11:01 PM |
Note: Timings can vary slightly based on local Panchang and regional variations. Devotees are advised to consult their local calendar.Â
Maharashtra School Holiday Status Confirmed
Parents and students in Maharashtra can rest assured, as September 25, 2026, has been declared a special holiday for schools across the state on account of Anant Chaturdashi and Ganesh Visarjan. This decision by the Maharashtra government takes into account the massive Ganesh idol immersion processions that take place, ensuring the safety and convenience of all students and teachers during these large-scale public gatherings. Both government and private schools are expected to observe this closure. Eco-Friendly Ganesh Visarjan 2026: Sustainable Ideas To Bid Farewell to Ganpati Bappa Without Harming Nature.
Key Rituals and Traditions
On Anant Chaturdashi, devotees engage in several significant rituals:
- Ganesh Visarjan: The most prominent ritual, especially in Maharashtra, involves taking Lord Ganesha's idol in grand processions to immerse it in natural water bodies like the sea, lakes, or designated artificial ponds.
- Anant Vrat and Puja: Dedicated devotees observe a fast (Anant Vrat) and perform special prayers (Anant Puja) to Lord Vishnu, seeking his blessings for prosperity and well-being.
- Tying the Anant Sutra: A sacred thread (Anant Sutra or Anant Daram) with fourteen knots is tied by devotees on their right arm (men) or left arm (women). Each knot is said to symbolise one of the fourteen worlds, and the thread represents a vow of devotion and protection from Lord Vishnu.
As the day unfolds, cities and towns across Maharashtra will resonate with devotional chants, drum beats, and vibrant processions, culminating in the poignant farewell to Lord Ganesha, who will be eagerly awaited next year.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 23, 2026 12:51 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
