When Is Ganesh Visarjan 2026? Check Anant Chaturdashi Date, Shubh Muhurat and Timings

The air in India, especially in states like Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka, is filled with a unique blend of devotion and a touch of wistful joy as the Ganesh Chaturthi festival approaches its grand finale. Ganesh Visarjan, also known as Anant Chaturdashi, marks the emotional farewell to Lord Ganesha, symbolising his return to his celestial abode and the cycle of creation and dissolution. This year, the auspicious day for Ganesh Visarjan (Anant Chaturdashi) is Friday, September 25.

What Is Ganesh Visarjan and Anant Chaturdashi?

Ganesh Visarjan is the final ritual of the ten-day Ganeshotsav, where beautifully crafted idols of Lord Ganesha are immersed in water bodies such as rivers, lakes, or the sea. The term "Visarjan" means immersion, and it signifies Lord Ganesha's departure from Earth after his temporary stay with devotees. Ganeshotsav 2026: Over 61,600 Ganesh Idols Immersed in Mumbai After One and a Half Days.

Anant Chaturdashi, literally meaning "eternal fourteenth day", is the specific day on which this immersion takes place. While it is predominantly known for Ganesh Visarjan, Anant Chaturdashi also holds immense significance for devotees of Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped in his infinite ('Anant') form. On this day, some devotees observe the Anant Vrat, tying a sacred 14-knotted thread (Anant Sutra) to their arm, seeking blessings for wealth, harmony, and protection.

Significance of the Immersion

The ritual of Ganesh Visarjan carries profound spiritual and philosophical meanings. It reminds devotees of the impermanence of physical forms and the eternal nature of the divine. The immersion symbolizes the return of the idol, made from natural elements, back to nature, signifying the cycle of birth, life, and rebirth. It is also believed that Lord Ganesha, as the remover of obstacles, takes away all troubles and negativities with him upon his departure, blessing homes and workplaces with peace and prosperity.

Ganesh Visarjan 2026: Date and Muhurat

For 2026, the authoritative date for Ganesh Visarjan (Anant Chaturdashi) is Friday, September 25. This date marks the culmination of the Ganeshotsav festival, which traditionally spans ten days, beginning with Ganesh Chaturthi on Monday, September 14. While specific muhurat timings for Ganesh Visarjan can vary based on family traditions and local panchang calculations, the immersion is traditionally performed during auspicious periods throughout the day. Devotees often observe the final Aarti and procession during various suitable slots, as the Anant Chaturdashi Tithi allows for flexibility during daylight hours. It is a day of continuous devotion and farewell, ensuring that Lord Ganesha is bid adieu with utmost reverence and joy.

For those seeking specific auspicious timings (Shubh Muhurat) for Ganesh Visarjan on September 25, various panchang calculations suggest the following approximate windows (all timings are in Indian Standard Time (IST), and local variations may occur):

• Morning Muhurat (Char, Labh, Amrit): 06:11 AM to 10:42 AM
• Afternoon Muhurat (Shubh): 12:13 PM to 01:43 PM
• Afternoon Muhurat (Char): 04:44 PM to 06:14 PM
• Night Muhurat (Labh): 09:14 PM to 10:43 PM
• Late Night Muhurat (Shubh, Amrit, Char): 12:13 AM to 04:42 AM (September 26)

Additionally, Anant Chaturdashi 2026 coincides with Ravi Yoga, considered highly auspicious for religious activities, which will be from 06:11 AM to 11:22 AM on September 25.

Puja Vidhi and Rituals for Visarjan

The Ganesh Visarjan ceremony is a deeply cherished event, filled with devotion and festive spirit. Here are the key rituals involved:

• Final Aarti and Offerings: Before the immersion, a final heartfelt aarti is performed with all family members present. Offerings such as modaks (Lord Ganesha's favourite sweet), flowers, coconuts, and other traditional delicacies are presented.
• Preparing for Departure: A small portion of raw rice mixed with turmeric (Akshat) is sprinkled on the idol, and curd is offered. Some devotees tie a red cloth containing dry coconut stuffed with jaggery and five different grains around the idol's hand, symbolizing food for Lord Ganesha's journey.
• Procession: The idol is then gently lifted and carried in a vibrant procession towards the immersion point. This procession is often accompanied by enthusiastic chanting of slogans like "Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya!" (O Father Ganesha, come again soon next year!), music, and traditional dhol-tasha beats, especially prominent in Maharashtra.
• Immersion: At the designated water body, a final prayer is offered, seeking forgiveness for any shortcomings in the worship. The idol is then respectfully immersed, symbolizing Lord Ganesha's return to the cosmic realm. Mumbai Metro One Extends Services Till 1:03 AM for Ganeshotsav 2026.

Eco-Friendly Visarjan

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on eco-friendly Ganesh Visarjan. Many devotees opt for idols made of natural clay that dissolve easily in water, or immerse smaller idols in buckets or artificial tanks at home to reduce pollution in natural water bodies. This practice aligns with the spiritual essence of returning the deity to nature responsibly. Ganesh Visarjan is more than just a ritual; it's a profound spiritual experience that teaches acceptance, detachment, and the promise of renewal. As devotees bid farewell to their beloved Bappa, they do so with gratitude and the hopeful anticipation of his return next year, carrying his blessings for wisdom, prosperity, and harmony.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 17, 2026 06:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).