Ganesh Chaturthi will be observed on Monday, September 14, 2026, marking the beginning of the 10-day festival, which is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The festival is celebrated on the fourth day, or Chaturthi tithi, of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada. The festival celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, as he is believed to be the remover of obstacles and the deity of knowledge, learning and auspicious starts, which is why the festival has a special place across India.
For many families, the festival starts when Ganesha's idol is brought home and placed in its chosen space. What follows is a mix of rituals: prayers, aarti and, of course, a plate full of sweets to offer to Bappa and then distribute as prasad. The celebration can go on for different lengths of time, relying on family tradition, with visarjan often taking place after one and a half, three, five, seven or 10 days.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Sthapana Muhurat
The Madhyahna Ganesh Puja Muhurat in New Delhi is from 11:02 AM to 1:31 PM on September 14, 2026. The Chaturthi tithi starts at 7:06 AM on September 14 and will end at 7:44 AM on September 15. Since the puja timing is based on the local sunrise and the midday period, the exact muhurat timing differs a bit from city to city. Devotees are hence advised to check the local panchang themselves to get the exact knowledge of the sthapana muhurat for the idol of Lord Ganesha.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Puja Vidhi At Home
Before bringing Bappa home, begin by cleaning the puja area and placing a chowki covered with a clean cloth. Place the Ganesha idol carefully during the sthapna muhurat and then decorate the space with flowers or a simple toran. Keep the puja requirements ready before starting so that the ritual can proceed smoothly.
Start the puja ritual by invoking Lord Ganesha, followed by offerings of durva grass, flowers, sandalwood, kumkum, lighted incense sticks and a diya. Offer fruits such as apples, bananas, oranges, or whatever you desire and the prepared bhog and then recite Ganesh mantras or prayers. The puja can then end with aarti. Families may have their own rules for the order of offerings and prayers, so those customs can be followed where relevant.
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Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Bhog Guide: What To Offer Bappa
No Ganesh Chaturthi bhog feels complete without offering modak, Bappa's favourite. Steamed ukadiche modak, fried modak and many regional variations all find a place on the bhog thali.
The bhog can also include karanji, besan laddoo, shrikhand, coconut-based sweets and seasonal fruits, relying on the family's regional tradition. Some homes prepare panchakhadya, a traditional dry offering that is made by mixing ingredients such as roasted gram, coconut, jaggery, sesame and dry fruits.
A Maharashtrian-style bhog thali for Ganesha Chaturthi typically includes a plate of ukadiche modak, puran poli, a small portion of panchakhadya, banana or seasonal fruit and coconut. The food is offered during the puja and later shared as prasad.
If making modak at home, prepare them close to the time of the offering. Freshly steamed ukadiche modak should be soft, with a tender outer layer and moist coconut-jaggery filling inside. They are also quite different from fried modak, which have a firmer, crisp shell.