By Team INVC | INVC NEWS
NEW DELHI, India | September 9, 2026 —
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 will be celebrated on Monday, September 14, ending confusion among devotees searching whether Ganeshotsav begins on September 13 or September 14 this year.
According to Hindu Panchang calculations for India, the Shukla Paksha Chaturthi Tithi of the Bhadrapada month begins on the morning of September 14 and continues into September 15. Since the Chaturthi Tithi prevails during Madhyahna, the principal Ganesh Chaturthi worship will take place on September 14.
For New Delhi, the Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat falls between approximately 11:02 AM and 1:31 PM.
Ganesh Chaturthi marks the worship of Lord Ganesha, revered as the deity of wisdom, prosperity and auspicious beginnings. The festival assumes enormous cultural significance across Maharashtra and is also celebrated widely in Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi and other parts of India.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: September 13 or September 14?
The correct date is:
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 — Monday, September 14
September 13 is not the principal Ganesh Chaturthi date for 2026.
The confusion usually arises because Hindu festivals follow lunar Tithis rather than the midnight-to-midnight Gregorian calendar.
This year, Chaturthi Tithi begins after sunrise on September 14. Since Lord Ganesha is traditionally worshipped during Madhyahna when Chaturthi prevails, September 14 becomes the observance date.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Tithi Timing
The main Panchang timings for 2026 are:
Chaturthi Tithi Begins:
September 14, 2026 — around 7:06 AM
Chaturthi Tithi Ends:
September 15, 2026 — around 7:44 AM
Therefore, the festival will be observed on Monday, September 14.
Devotees should remember that very small variations in listed timings can appear between Panchang systems and locations.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Puja Muhurat in New Delhi
The most important period for Ganesh Chaturthi worship is Madhyahna.
For New Delhi, the principal 2026 Puja Muhurat is approximately:
Madhyahna Ganesha Puja:
11:02 AM to 1:31 PM
Duration:
About 2 hours 28 minutes
Traditionally, devotees install an idol or image of Lord Ganesha, perform Sankalpa, offer flowers, Durva grass, Modak, fruits and other offerings, and recite prayers dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
Local Panchang timings should be checked because the precise Madhyahna period differs between cities.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Puja Time in Major Indian Cities
Here are approximate Madhyahna Puja timings for several major cities:
Mumbai: 11:20 AM to 1:48 PM
Pune: 11:16 AM to 1:44 PM
New Delhi: 11:02 AM to 1:31 PM
Noida: 11:02 AM to 1:30 PM
Gurugram: 11:03 AM to 1:31 PM
Jaipur: 11:08 AM to 1:36 PM
Chandigarh: 11:04 AM to 1:33 PM
Ahmedabad: 11:21 AM to 1:49 PM
Hyderabad: 10:58 AM to 1:25 PM
Bengaluru: 11:02 AM to 1:28 PM
Chennai: 10:51 AM to 1:18 PM
Kolkata: 10:18 AM to 12:46 PM
People planning a detailed ritual should use the Panchang timing applicable to their own location.
Why Ganesh Chaturthi Is Celebrated
Ganesh Chaturthi commemorates the worship and traditional celebration of Lord Ganesha.
In Hindu tradition, devotees invoke Lord Ganesha before beginning important work because he is associated with wisdom, prosperity, knowledge and the removal of obstacles.
Homes and public pandals install Ganesha idols during Ganeshotsav.
Maharashtra hosts some of India’s largest celebrations, particularly in Mumbai and Pune, where public Ganesh mandals attract large crowds.
Celebrations also take place on a significant scale across several other states.
Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Vidhi
Devotees commonly begin preparations by cleaning the worship area and arranging the Ganesha idol or image.
A simple worship sequence may include:
- Take a Sankalpa for the puja.
- Invoke Lord Ganesha with prayers.
- Offer water, flowers and Durva grass.
- Apply sandalwood paste and Kumkum as appropriate.
- Offer Modak, Laddu, fruits and other Satvik food.
- Light a lamp and incense.
- Recite Ganesha Mantras or prayers.
- Perform Aarti.
- Distribute Prasad among family members and devotees.
Customs vary by region and family tradition, so devotees may follow their established practices.
Why Modak Is Offered to Lord Ganesha
Modak is among the most recognizable offerings associated with Ganesh Chaturthi.
Many households prepare steamed or fried Modaks filled with coconut, jaggery and other ingredients.
Different regions also prepare their own traditional sweets and festive dishes.
Food offerings generally form part of the puja before being distributed as Prasad.
Should Devotees Avoid Seeing the Moon?
A traditional Ganesh Chaturthi belief advises devotees to avoid sighting the Moon during a specified period on Chaturthi.
The precise avoidance period can vary according to city and Panchang calculations.
Anyone following this tradition should therefore check their local Panchang rather than relying on a single nationwide timing.
The practice is associated with the traditional story of the Syamantaka jewel and the belief surrounding Mithya Dosha.
Ganesh Visarjan 2026 Date
Ganeshotsav culminates with Ganesh Visarjan.
In 2026, Anant Chaturdashi and the principal Ganesh Visarjan fall on Friday, September 25.
Not every household keeps the Ganesha idol until Anant Chaturdashi.
Depending on family custom, devotees may perform Visarjan after one and a half days, three days, five days, seven days or another traditionally observed period.
Large public Ganesh mandals generally schedule their main immersion around Anant Chaturdashi.
Eco-Friendly Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations
Environmental awareness has become an increasingly important part of Ganeshotsav.
Devotees can choose clay idols and environmentally responsible decorations while avoiding materials that may pollute lakes, rivers or other water bodies.
Local authorities frequently establish designated immersion facilities to manage crowds and reduce environmental impact.
People should follow municipal instructions regarding routes, immersion points, traffic restrictions and safety arrangements.
Ganesh Chaturthi and Hartalika Teej Fall on Same Date
An unusual calendar highlight this year is that Ganesh Chaturthi and Hartalika Teej both fall on September 14, 2026.
The two observances have different religious traditions and rituals.
Hartalika Teej centers on the worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, while Ganesh Chaturthi is dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
Families observing both festivals should therefore plan their respective rituals according to the appropriate Puja Muhurats and traditions.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Key Dates at a Glance
Ganesh Chaturthi: Monday, September 14, 2026
Chaturthi Tithi Begins: September 14 at around 7:06 AM
Chaturthi Tithi Ends: September 15 at around 7:44 AM
New Delhi Madhyahna Puja Muhurat: 11:02 AM to 1:31 PM
Ganesh Visarjan: Friday, September 25, 2026
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Correct Date Confirmed
For devotees planning Ganeshotsav, the most important point is clear: Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 will be celebrated on Monday, September 14, not September 13.
The Chaturthi Tithi begins on September 14 morning and remains active through the principal Madhyahna worship period.
Because Muhurat timings vary by location, devotees should use their city-specific Panchang when planning the exact puja.
With Ganeshotsav approaching, searches for Ganesh Chaturthi date, Puja Muhurat, Visarjan date and festival rituals are expected to rise sharply as households and public mandals complete preparations.
