Ganesh Visarjan 2026: Date, Anant Chaturdashi Tithi and Ganpati Immersion Muhurat Time

Ganesh Chaturthi (Vinayaka Chavithi or Vinayaka Chaturthi), the beloved ten-day Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, is set to fill homes and public pandals with devotion and joy from Monday, September 14, 2026, until Friday, September 25, 2026. While the spiritual journey begins with the Sthapana (installation) of Ganesha idols, the grand culmination comes with Ganesh Visarjan, the ceremonial immersion of the idol in water, symbolising Lord Ganesha's return to his celestial abode and a heartfelt farewell until next year. For many, this emotional day aligns with Anant Chaturdashi.

Anant Chaturdashi 2026: The Main Visarjan Date

For those observing the full ten-day Ganeshotsav, Anant Chaturdashi, which marks the primary day for Ganesh Visarjan, falls on Friday, September 25, 2026. This day is steeped in tradition and sees elaborate processions across the country, particularly in Maharashtra, where chants of "Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhachya Varshi Lavkar Ya" (Hail Lord Ganesha, come again next year) echo through the streets. Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Date, Shubh Muhurat for Ganpati Sthapana and Puja Timings by City.

Anant Chaturdashi Tithi Timings (New Delhi):

• Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: 11:18 PM on September 24, 2026
• Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: 11:06 PM on September 25, 2026

Auspicious Muhurat for Visarjan on September 25, 2026 (New Delhi - Choghadiya based, indicative):

• Morning Muhurat (Chara, Labha, Amrita): 06:11 AM to 10:42 AM
• Afternoon Muhurat (Shubha): 12:13 PM to 01:43 PM
• Afternoon Muhurat (Chara): 04:44 PM to 06:14 PM
• Night Muhurat (Labha): 09:14 PM to 10:43 PM
• Late Night/Early Morning (Shubha, Amrita, Chara): 12:13 AM to 04:42 AM (on Sep 26)

Please note: These timings are indicative for New Delhi. Devotees are advised to consult their local Panchang for precise timings specific to their city.

Shorter Immersion Timelines for 2026

While Anant Chaturdashi is the most widely observed day for Visarjan, many families choose to immerse their Ganesha idols after shorter durations, depending on family customs and regional traditions. These shorter Visarjan periods are typically observed on odd-numbered days from the Sthapana.

Here are the common shorter Visarjan dates for 2026:

• 1.5-day Visarjan: Tuesday, September 15, 2026
• Muhurat (New Delhi): 12:16 PM to 01:49 PM (Evening Muhurat)
• 3-day Visarjan: Wednesday, September 16, 2026
• Muhurat examples (New Delhi): Morning (Shubha) - 10:43 AM to 12:16 PM; Afternoon (Chara, Labha) - 03:20 PM to 06:25 PM; Evening (Shubha, Amrita, Chara) - 07:53 PM to 12:16 AM (on Sep 17)
• 5-day Visarjan: Friday, September 18, 2026
• 7-day Visarjan: Sunday, September 20, 2026

The Significance and Rituals of Ganesh Visarjan

Ganesh Visarjan is a profound ritual that symbolises the cycle of creation and dissolution, reminding devotees that all physical forms are temporary. The immersion of the idol in water signifies Lord Ganesha's return to his divine abode, carrying with him the misfortunes of his devotees and bestowing blessings of prosperity, wisdom, and the removal of obstacles.

The rituals leading up to Visarjan are filled with devotion and farewell. Before the procession, a final Aarti (ceremonial worship with light) is performed, and prasad like modaks, laddoos, and fruits are offered. Devotees decorate the idol with fresh flowers and garlands, perform a brief Visarjan Puja with mantras, rice, flowers, and sindoor, and seek blessings by touching the idol's feet. The idol is then carried in a vibrant procession, often accompanied by traditional music like dhol and tasha, towards a water body for immersion. With a heavy heart but fervent hope for his return, devotees bid farewell, chanting "Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhachya Varshi Lavkar Ya". Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Public Holiday List: Is September 14 a Bank Holiday in Your State? Check Details.

In recent times, there's a growing emphasis on eco-friendly Visarjan practices, encouraging the use of clay idols and immersion in artificial ponds or large containers at home to protect natural water bodies. These thoughtful approaches allow devotees to uphold tradition while also being environmentally conscious.

As Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 draws to a close, the act of Visarjan becomes a moment of profound spiritual reflection, a blend of sorrow for separation and joy for the blessings received, as millions prepare to bid adieu to their beloved Bappa.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 08, 2026 02:02 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).