Ganesh Chaturthi
From the beloved story of Ganesha's birth to the rituals of welcome and farewell — everything you need to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi at home
September 14, 2026
What is Ganesh Chaturthi?
Ganesh Chaturthi commemorates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed God worshipped as the remover of obstacles and the patron of auspicious beginnings. He is traditionally invoked first before any prayer, ceremony, or new undertaking.
When is Ganesh Chaturthi?
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated over ten days, beginning this year on September 14th, 2026. It culminates on September 23rd with visarjan — the ritual immersion of Ganesha's idol in water.
How is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated?
Throughout the ten days of the festival, Lord Ganesha is worshipped daily in homes and community spaces across India and the diaspora. Many families will install clay idols of Ganesha in their homes for the festival. Daily puja is performed with offerings of modak — the sweet, steamed dumpling that is considered to be Ganesha's most favorite food. On the tenth and final day comes visarjan — in many parts of India, particularly in Maharashtra, there are ceremonial processions to a river, lake, or the sea, accompanied by music and dancing. The clay Ganesha idols are immersed in the water bidding him a bittersweet farewell as he returns to his divine abode until the following year.
For a complete shopping list, the stories and prayers of the festival, step-by-step guidance on welcoming Ganesha into your home and bidding him a joyful farewell, download the Yangra app.
