Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Date, Timing & Muhurat

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha. It falls on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the waxing phase of the moon (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Bhadrapada.

In 2026, this festival falls on Monday, September 14. On this day, devotees across India bring home or install idols of Lord Ganesha.

This festival is also known as Ganeshotsav; it begins on Ganesh Chaturthi and continues until Anant Chaturdashi. Traditionally, the festival was celebrated in homes, but nowadays it is also observed in community pandals. Families install the idol, perform daily prayers, and finally immerse the idol in water. This year, the visarjan on Anant Chaturdashi falls on Friday, September 25. Many families also keep the idol for shorter durations, such as one and a half, three, five, or seven days.

Ganesh Chaturthi Puja: Date and Time

The Chaturthi Tithi will begin at 7:06 AM on September 14, 2026, and end at 7:44 AM on September 15, 2026. The festival will be celebrated on September 14 because the Tithi will be active during the afternoon on that day.

The main puja is traditionally performed during Madhyahna (midday). For Delhi, the Muhurat for the Madhyahna Ganesh Puja is from 11:02 AM to 1:30/1:31 PM.

The exact timing of the Muhurat depends on the sunrise and sunset times in your city. Some websites list slightly different timings, such as from 11:05 AM to 1:35 PM. Please consult a local Panchang (almanac) or ask your family priest for the timings specific to your city.

Ganesh Sthapana 2026: When to Bring Bappa Home?

Ganesh Sthapana is the ritual of installing the idol of Lord Ganesha in one's home or a pandal. In 2026, this will take place on September 14th during the Madhyahna Muhurat.

If you are unable to complete the worship during the specific auspicious time, the ritual can still be performed at any point during the Chaturthi Tithi.

What is Ganesh Sthapana?

Ganesh Sthapana refers to the ritual installation and subsequent worship of the Ganesha idol. Devotees usually begin by cleaning the place of worship and respectfully placing the idol. The process includes lighting a lamp, taking a Sankalp, and invoking the deity. The worship concludes with the Ganesh Aarti. A common mantra used is "Om Gam Ganapataye Namah." Bringing the idol home (Ganpati Aagman) and the formal installation (Ganpati Sthapana) are two distinct stages.

Depending on their traditions, some families bring the idol home a day or two before the festival and then perform the formal installation on Chaturthi. If you keep the idol for several days, there is no need to repeat the entire installation process daily; performing daily worship accompanied by Aarti is sufficient.

Best time to bring Lord Ganesha home

Most families bring the idol home on the day of Chaturthi itself. However, some bring it a day or two early, in accordance with their family traditions.

If the idol arrives before the actual worship begins, place it on a clean, elevated platform or stool rather than directly on the floor. The formal Sthapana then takes place on September 14th during the Madhyahna Muhurat.

Ganesh Murti Sthapana Muhurat

Midday (Madhyahna) is considered the best time for Ganesha worship because Lord Ganesha was born in the afternoon. For Delhi, the auspicious time for installation is from 11:02 AM to 1:31 PM.

Timings may vary across different cities. Please check the local Panchang for the exact auspicious time in your city.

Preparations before bringing Bappa home

Clean your home and prepare a dedicated space for the worship. Keep a Chauki and a clean cloth ready for the idol.

Common items required for the worship include flowers, incense sticks, Akshat, Modaks, a ghee lamp, betel leaves, cardamom, and Mishri. The specific items may vary depending on family customs and regional practices, so prepare according to your own traditions. Many people prefer eco-friendly idols made of clay, as they dissolve easily during Visarjan.

Where to place Lord Ganesha in the home

Choose a clean spot where the idol is clearly visible during the day. Spread a clean cloth over the Chauki and place the idol in the center.

According to Vastu principles, the idol should face East or North-East and should not be placed facing South. This is a traditional belief; if your family follows a different custom, please adhere to that.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Ganesh Chaturthi in 2026?

Ganesh Chaturthi falls on Monday, September 14, 2026.

When does Ganesh Chaturthi begin and end in 2026?

The Chaturthi Tithi begins at 7:06 AM on September 14 and continues until 7:44 AM on September 15. The festival starts on September 14 and concludes with the Visarjan on Anant Chaturdashi, September 25.

What is the auspicious time (Muhurat) for Ganesh Sthapana (installation) in 2026?

For Delhi, it is from 11:02 AM to 1:31 PM on September 14. Timings may vary slightly depending on the city.

When should Lord Ganesha be brought home in 2026?

You can bring the idol home on the day of Chaturthi, i.e., September 14. Some families bring it home a day or two in advance. The ritual installation should be performed during the Madhyahna Muhurat.

What is the timing for the Ganesh Chaturthi Puja in 2026?

The primary time for the Puja is the Madhyahna Kaal (midday period), which is from 11:02 AM to 1:31 PM for Delhi. If necessary, the Puja can also be performed at other times during the Chaturthi Tithi.

For how many days can we keep Lord Ganesha at home?

Families usually keep the idol for one-and-a-half, 3, 5, 7, or 10 days. The dates for Visarjan in 2026 are September 15, 16, 18, 20, and 25.

When is the Ganesh Visarjan on Anant Chaturdashi?

It falls on Friday, September 25, 2026. The Chaturdashi Tithi begins at 11:18 PM on September 24 and ends at 11:06 PM on September 25.

References

1. Shubh Panchang, Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: https://shubhpanchang.com/festivals/ganesh-chaturthi
2. Shubh Panchang, Ganesh Visarjan 2026: https://shubhpanchang.com/festivals/ganesh-visarjan
3. DrikPanchang, Ganesh Visarjan 2026 date and time: https://www.drikpanchang.com/festivals/ganesh-visarjan/ganesh-visarjan-date-time.html
4. Dekho Panchang, Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: https://dekhopanchang.com/en/festivals/ganesh-chaturthi/2026
5. SmartPuja, Ganesha Chaturthi 2026: https://www.smartpuja.com/blog/ganesha-chaturthi-2026-date-puja-muhurat/
6. Outlook India, Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Calendar: https://www.outlookindia.com/brand-studio/ganesh-chaturthi-2026-calendar-important-dates-from-ganesh-sthapana-to-visarjan
7. Business Today, Ganpati Sthapana 2026 and samagri: https://www.businesstoday.in/india/story/ganesh-chaturthi-2026-ganpati-sthapana-date-shubh-muhurat-puja-vidhi-and-samagri-list-555180-2026-09-13
8. Business Today, Ganpati Visarjan 2026: https://www.businesstoday.in/india/story/ganpati-visarjan-2026-check-shubh-muhurat-on-anant-chaturdashi-puja-vidhi-key-rituals-557699-2026-09-25
9. The CSR Journal, Preparation Guidelines 2026: https://thecsrjournal.in/ganesh-chaturthi-is-on-september-with-guidelines-for-idol-installation-and-puja-preparations-outlined
10. Astroyogi, Ganesh Chaturthi Puja at Home: https://www.astroyogi.com/blog/ganesh-chaturthi-puja-at-home.aspx
11. Prabhu Shri Ram, Puja at Home (samagri list): https://prabhushriram.com/blogs/blog/how-to-perform-ganesh-chaturthi-puja-at-home
12. Housing.com, Ganesh Sthapana and Puja (Vastu direction): https://housing.com/news/how-to-do-ganesh-stapana-and-puja/