Ganesh Chaturthi
गणेश चतुर्थी
September 7, 2026
Significance
The birthday of Lord Ganesha — celebrated for 10 days with grand public pandals (especially in Maharashtra). Clay idols of Ganesha are installed, worshipped for 1.5, 5, 7, or 10 days, then immersed in water (visarjan). The 10th day is Anant Chaturdashi.
Story & Mythology
Parvati created Ganesha from turmeric paste. When Shiva returned and Ganesha blocked his entry, Shiva beheaded him. Parvati's grief led Shiva to replace his head with an elephant's head and declare him the first worshipped deity. Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates his rebirth. The public celebration was popularized by Lokmanya Tilak in 1893 as a way to unite communities during the freedom struggle.
Puja Vidhi & Rituals
- 1
Install clay Ganesha idol (murti sthapana) with proper vedic mantras
- 2
Perform Shodashopchar Puja (16-step worship) daily
- 3
Offer modak (sweet dumplings — Ganesha's favorite), durva grass, and red flowers
- 4
Chant Om Gam Ganapataye Namah and Ganesh Atharvashirsha
- 5
On visarjan day: Perform final aarti, take the idol in a procession with music and dance
- 6
Immerse the idol in water — 'Ganpati Bappa Morya, Purchya Varshi Laukariya!'