What Is Ganesh Chaturthi? Why Is It Celebrated?

India, a country of rich culture and history is known worldwide for its festivals and the history behind these festivals. Even today in order to preserve the culture and traditions, festivals are celebrated in more or less the similar traditional manner, the way they were celebrated in the ancient times. One such highly celebrated and much awaited festival in India is ‘ Ganesh Chaturthi ’.

In Hinduism Ganesh Chaturthi, is a 10-day celebration of the birth of Lord Ganesha who is also revered as elephant-headed God. Before starting anything new, people always first worship Him as it is considered that He is the God of wisdom, stability and prosperity.

The birth anniversary of Lord Ganesh is known as ‘Ganesh Chaturthi’. Lord Ganesh is one of the prime deities in Hinduism and is worshipped by almost every Hindu household in India and Hindus staying in other parts of the world. Lord Ganesh is the God who offers wisdom, protects from evils, fills the life of His devotees with positivity and happiness and removes all the obstacles and hurdles from the life of His devotees. Lord Ganesh is the God who is revered and worshipped before any other God. Similarly, before starting a new venture or a new journey in life in terms of relationships, official growth, personal achievements and more, Lord Ganesh is worshipped.

The birth of Lord Ganesha is thus celebrated by all the Hindus in utmost great enthusiasm, happiness and devotion.

When is Ganesh Chaturthi?

Ganesha Chaturthi on Monday, September 14, 2026

Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat - 11:20 AM to 01:48 PM

Duration - 02 Hours 27 Mins

Ganesha Visarjan on Friday, September 25, 2026

Time to avoid Moon sighting - 09:06 AM to 08:41 PM

Duration - 11 Hours 35 Mins

Chaturthi Tithi Begins - 07:06 AM on Sep 14, 2026

Chaturthi Tithi Ends - 07:44 AM on Sep 15, 2026

Information About Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi also known as Vinayaka Chavithi is one of the most celebrated festivals that is observed in honour of the beloved God, Lord Ganesh. There is ample of Ganpati festival information or Ganesh Chaturthi festival information that is available on web. Also, there are two popular legends that revolve around the Ganesh Chaturti celebration. Let us learn about both these legends. According to the ancient Hindu Scriptures, The story of Lord Ganesh’s unusual birth and His divinity lead to the popularity of Ganpati celebrations.

Once so happened that Mata Parvati was busy bathing and She did not want to be disturbed by anyone hence, She created a boy in human like avatar out of the turmeric paste that She had applied on Her body. She put life in His body and told him to guard the doorway of the house. She instructed the boy not to allow anyone to pass through the doorway. In sometime, Lord Shiva returned home to find an unknown boy taking rounds to and fro at the gate of the house. As Lord Shiva tried entering the house, the kid stopped him from entering the house. Loed Shiva informed the lad that He was the better half of Goddess Parvati and He wished to see Her but, the little one was adamant. He blocked the way of Lord Shiva and did not allow the Supreme to pass through the doorway. Angered and insulted by the gesture of a small boy, the Lord beheaded the boy, after learning this Mata Parvati was devastated Her anger, sorrow and emotions overflew, She was so furious that She called out to all Her fierce and dangerous avatars with the intent of destroying every creation.

On witnessing this, Lord Brahma intervened and asked Goddess Parvati as to what would calm Her down on which Parvati replied that the entire creation in this universe can be saved from Her wrath only if the boy got back to life and if everybody worshipped Him before all the other Gods. Brahma and Lord Shiva agreed to the two conditions put forward by Her. Lord Shiva ordered His ganas to go in search of the little boy’s head. The ganas were unable to find the head hence, Lord Shiva told them to get the head of any dead animal whose head faced towards the North. The ganas returned with the head of a giant Elephant. Lord Brahma attached this huge Gajanana (Elephant) face on the body of the Kid and thus Lord Ganesh came into being.

According to the second legend, Lokmanya tilak and Ganesh Chaturthi form the most inspirational chapters of Indian History that lead to India’s freedom. As per the Historical events, information about Ganesh Utsav celebrations date back during the British Raj over India. During the British rule, Indians were not allowed to held public meetings or gather in groups. The fight for freedom had already begun. Indian revolutionaries were finding ways to connect and create strategies against British Sarkar. Due to stringent British rule and ban over public gatherings, Freedom Fighter Lok Manya Tilak came up with an idea He started the Sarvojanik (public) Ganesh Utsav Celebration with the intention of gathering other Indian freedom fighter and creating strategies to put an end to Brish rule. Under the pretext of religion and Ganesh Festival celebrations, the freedom fighters met and conducted meetings. This is how Lokmanya Tilak Ganesh Utsav came into being.

In Which State Ganesh Chaturthi Is Celebrated?

The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is widely celebrated in the state of Maharashtra. Pune being the Janma bhumi (birth place) of this festival, the ganpati festival celebrations are now celebrated in states including Goa, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.

Ganesh Chaturthi Celebration At Home

The Ganesh Puja celebrations also known as the Vinayaka Chavithi celebrations at home fill the house with Sattvik energies and remove all the negative energies. Families that install the Ganesh idols at their homes send out Ganpati celebration invitation to their extended families and friends. The entire atmosphere fills with divine energies and festivities. The Ganesh Celebration at Home are done by chanting Ganesh Mantras, singing Ganesh aarti and by keeping a pure bhaav. Everyday new and fresh Prasad is offered to the Lord and this Prasad is distributed among the people visiting the house to take blessings and to pray over Lord Ganesh. From the past few years, people have understood the significance of using eco-friendly Ganesh idols due to the pollution caused by huge Ganesh idol made from plaster of Paris.

Ganesh Chaturthi Celebration In School

In order to educate the children about the festival of Ganesh utsav and to make them understand the importance of maintaining ecological balance, eco-friendly Ganesh Utsav is celebrated in schools. Activities like drawing Ganesh idols and makingGanesh out of clay are held. Stories of Ganesha birth and other Ganesh stories are read out to the children. Thus, the Ganesh Chaturthi celebration in school is done on a very informative level in order to teach the pupils about our tradition and culture.

Ganesh Chaturthi Rituals & Puja Vidhi

Ganesh Chaturthi puja follows simple but sacred steps performed to welcome Lord Ganesha and seek His blessings.

Step-by-Step Puja Vidhi

1. Prepare the Puja Space

• Clean the area and place the Ganesh idol on a cloth.
• Decorate with flowers and light a lamp.

2. Pranapratishtha

• Sprinkle holy water and invoke Lord Ganesha into the idol through mantra chanting.

3. Sankalp

• State your intention for performing the puja.

4. Main Puja

• Apply sandal paste and offer flowers.
• Light incense and a diya.
• Offer naivedya such as modak, fruits, or sweets.
• Chant Ganesh mantras or recite Ganesh Atharvashirsha.

5. Aarti

• Perform Ganesh aarti with devotion.

6. Daily Ritual

• Offer fresh flowers and prasad each day of the festival.
• Perform morning and evening aarti.

Significance of Ganesh Visarjan

Ganesh Visarjan marks the completion of Ganesh Chaturthi when the idol of Lord Ganesha is respectfully immersed in water. The ritual signifies:

1. Return of the Divine Form

Visarjan symbolizes Lord Ganesha’s return to Mount Kailash, carrying with Him the troubles, obstacles, and negative energies of devotees.

2. Reminder of Impermanence

It reflects the spiritual truth that all forms are temporary and must eventually merge back into the source.

3. Expression of Gratitude

Devotees thank Lord Ganesha for His presence, blessings, protection, and guidance throughout the festival.

Eco-friendly Visarjan has gained importance in recent years to protect water bodies and maintain ecological balance.

Cultural Importance of Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is not only a religious festival but also a cultural celebration that unites communities across India. Beyond worship, the festival promotes:

1. Community Harmony

Large pandals, group aartis, and processions bring people together regardless of caste, region, or background.

2. Artistic Expression

The festival inspires creativity through idol-making, decorations, rangoli, music, and dance performances.

3. Preservation of Traditions

Stories of Lord Ganesha, devotional songs, and rituals are passed down through generations, strengthening cultural identity.

Ganesh Chaturthi has evolved into a powerful symbol of devotion, unity, and cultural pride.

Popular Foods & Offerings During Ganesh Chaturthi

Food offerings play an important role in Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, as each item symbolizes devotion, purity, and gratitude.

1. Modak

Modak is considered Lord Ganesha’s favorite sweet. It represents spiritual knowledge and the sweetness of devotion.

2. Laddus

Varieties like besan laddu and motichoor laddu are offered to seek blessings for prosperity and joy.

3. Puran Poli

A traditional Maharashtrian dish symbolizing abundance and festive cheer.

4. Sundal

A South Indian prasad made from legumes, prepared for purity and nourishment.

These offerings reflect regional traditions while carrying deep spiritual significance.

Benefits of Observing Ganesh Chaturthi Vrat

Fasting or observing discipline during Ganesh Chaturthi is believed to align the devotee with Lord Ganesha’s divine energies. The vrat brings several benefits:

1. Removes Obstacles

The vrat helps clear hurdles in personal, professional, and spiritual life, allowing smoother progress.

2. Enhances Wisdom and Clarity

Lord Ganesha is the deity of intellect; observing this vrat improves decision-making and inner understanding.

3. Strengthens Mental Peace and Positivity

The practice calms the mind, reduces stress, and creates a harmonious environment within the home.

Those who observe the vrat with devotion experience overall upliftment and divine support in their endeavours.

How Ganesh Chaturthi Is Celebrated Across India

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with unique traditions across India, reflecting the cultural diversity of the country. While Maharashtra is the heart of the festival, other states also observe it with great devotion.

Maharashtra

Large public pandals, grand aartis, cultural performances, and community feasts make it the most vibrant celebration in the country.

Goa & Karnataka

Homes and temples host modest yet deeply devotional pujas, with families preparing traditional sweets and conducting daily aarti.

Tamil Nadu & Andhra Pradesh

Special pujas, chanting sessions, and homemade clay idols emphasize purity and traditional worship.

Telangana

Colourful pandals, musical processions, and cultural programs mark the celebrations.

Each region blends local customs with devotion to Lord Ganesha, making the festival a nationwide expression of faith and unity.

Eco-Friendly Ganesh Chaturthi – A Growing Movement

In recent years, eco-friendly Ganesh Chaturthi has gained prominence due to rising awareness about environmental protection. Devotees are increasingly choosing sustainable practices to celebrate the festival responsibly.

1. Use of Clay (Shadu) Idols

Natural clay idols dissolve easily in water, preventing pollution caused by plaster of Paris idols.

2. Natural Colors and Decorations

Eco-friendly colors, organic flowers, and biodegradable décor ensure minimal environmental impact.

3. Artificial Tank Visarjan

Many communities now opt for designated artificial tanks, reducing harm to ponds, lakes, and oceans.

4. Awareness in Schools and Housing Societies

Educational programs and workshops teach children and residents the importance of sustainability during festivities.

Eco-friendly celebrations honour the essence of devotion while protecting nature, an ideal harmony that aligns with Lord Ganesha’s teachings of wisdom and responsibility.

Popular Ganesh Mantras Chanted During the Festival

Chanting Ganesh mantras during Ganesh Chaturthi enhances spiritual vibrations and invokes the divine blessings of Lord Ganesha. These mantras help remove obstacles, calm the mind, and attract positivity.

1. Om Gan Ganapataye Namah

A universal mantra for invoking Lord Ganesha’s presence, seeking success, and clearing obstacles.

2. Vakratunda Mahakaya Mantra

“Vakratunda Mahakaya, Suryakoti Samaprabha;
Nirvighnam Kurume Deva, Sarva-Kaaryeshu Sarvadaa.”
Chanted for protection and to ensure smooth completion of all tasks.

3. Ganesh Atharvashirsha

A powerful Vedic chant recited to gain wisdom, strength, and inner clarity.

These mantras deepen devotion and create a sacred atmosphere throughout the festival.

Rudra Centre’s Recommended Products & Services for Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesha Idols

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Ganesha Gemstone Idols

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Ganesha Puja for Removing Obstacles

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Ganesh Chaturthi Mahapuja

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5 Mukhi Rudraksha

A classic and widely revered form of Rudraksha that enhances focus, wisdom, and clarity while aligning the wearer with Lord Ganesha’s energy.
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Conclusion

Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival that beautifully blends devotion, culture, and tradition. It celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the harbinger of wisdom and prosperity. Through rituals, mantras, offerings, and community celebrations, devotees invite His divine presence into their lives. Whether observed at home, in schools, or through grand public festivities, the essence remains the same-seeking blessings for new beginnings, harmony, and success. As the festival concludes with Visarjan, it reminds us of life’s impermanence and the importance of gratitude, purity, and responsible celebration.