Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Know Ganpati Sthapana Muhurat, Rituals And Celebration Of The Festival Dedicated To Vighnaharta

Ganesh Chaturthi is a highly revered Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, also known as Chintamani and Vinayaka. The deity is worshipped as Vighnaharta, the remover of obstacles. This festival celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha and is observed with great devotion across India, particularly in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, and Telangana. In 2026, Ganesh Chaturthi is expected to be celebrated from September 14 to September 25 due to lunar-solar calendar alignments.

Ganpati Sthapana Muhurat, the auspicious time to install and worship Ganesha idol, is particularly significant on Ganesh Chaturthi. According to Drik Panchang, the Madhyahna period for worship begins at 10:36 AM and ends at 12:51 PM on September 14. Chaturthi Tithi, the day of the festival, starts at 10:36 AM on September 14 and ends at 11:14 AM on September 15.

The festival's rituals include bringing home the Ganesh idol, a process called Ganesh Sthapana, where the idol is placed on a decorated platform and Pran Pratishtha is performed to invoke Lord Ganesha's divine presence. Devotees offer flowers, durva grass, fruits, sweets, and other traditional offerings, with Modak, one of Lord Ganesha's favorite foods, holding special significance.

Daily prayers and aartis are performed throughout the festival, and families and communities come together to seek the deity's blessings. In Maharashtra, the city of Mumbai's Ganeshotsav festival attracts thousands of devotees to iconic pandals, or temporary stages. The celebrations conclude on Anant Chaturdashi, which this year falls on September 25.