What is Ganesh Chaturthi and why is it celebrated?

Ganesh Chaturthi (also called Vinayaka Chaturthi) is the Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha — the elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati, remover of obstacles. Observed on the Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi Tithi, devotees install Ganesha idols at home and in pandals, perform puja with Modak offerings, and immerse the idol (Visarjan) after 1.5, 3, 5, or 10 days. In 2026, Ganesh Chaturthi falls on Monday, September 14.

When is Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 and what is the best Sthapana Muhurat?

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 falls on Monday, September 14. The best time for Ganesha Sthapana is during Madhyahna (midday) when the Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi Tithi is active. The midday Shubh Muhurat is most auspicious as per the Bengali panjika.

Why should one avoid looking at the Moon on Ganesh Chaturthi night?

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Chandra mocked Lord Ganesha, causing Ganesha to curse him. Looking at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi night causes Mithya Dosha — association with false allegations. Bengali almanacs specifically mention avoiding moongazing on this night.

How is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated in West Bengal?

West Bengal has seen growing community pandals across Kolkata, Siliguri, and Howrah. Bengali families install the idol at home, offer Modak and Durva grass. Community pandals have become elaborate, drawing large crowds. Visarjan typically happens after 1.5 or 3 days for home idols, or on Anant Chaturdashi for community pandals.

Is Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 a public holiday in West Bengal?

Ganesh Chaturthi is not a gazetted general holiday in West Bengal the way it is in Maharashtra. However, many schools and private organisations observe it. The festival in Bengal centres on home puja and community pandals rather than a state-wide public holiday.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 (Vinayaka Chaturthi) | গণেশ চতুর্থী ২০২৬

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 â€” Lord Ganesha idol worship with Modak and flowers

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About Ganesh Chaturthi (Vinayaka Chaturthi)(উৎসব পরিচিতি)

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 (Vinayaka Chaturthi) falls on Monday, September 14, 2026.

Ganesh Chaturthi marks the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Observed on the Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi Tithi, Lord Ganesha is worshipped as the Lord of Wisdom, New Beginnings, and Remover of Obstacles (Vighnaharta).

In West Bengal, while Durga Puja and Kali Puja are the flagship community celebrations, Ganesh Chaturthi has gained immense popularity over recent decades. Neighborhood youth clubs and cultural centers across Kolkata, Siliguri, and Howrah erect vibrant pandals housing artistic Ganesha idols, welcoming thousands of visitors.

History: In Vedic mythology, Lord Ganesha was created by Goddess Parvati from turmeric paste and given life. When Shiva inadvertently severed Ganesha's head, he restored him to life with an elephant head, granting him the boon of being worshipped first (Prathama Pujya) among all deities.

Historically, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj promoted Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Maharashtra. In 1893, freedom fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak transformed Ganesh Chaturthi into a public Sarvajanik festival to mobilize national unity against British rule.

Significance: On Ganesh Chaturthi, devotees perform Ganesha Sthapana (installing the idol) during Madhyahna (midday) Shubh Muhurat â€” the time when Ganesha was born. Offering 21 Modaks, 21 blades of Durva grass, red flowers, and laddus is considered highly auspicious.

Avoiding looking at the Moon on Ganesh Chaturthi night (Mithya Dosha) is an important astrological observance mentioned in the Bengali Panjika.

Rituals & How to Celebrate

Ganesha Sthapana â€” bringing home or installing the Ganesha idol during midday Madhyahna Muhurat.

Pran Pratishtha and Shodashopachar Puja â€” consecrating the idol with mantras, incense, lamps, and offerings.

Durva Grass and Modak offering â€” offering 21 blades of fresh Durva grass and 21 steamed or fried Modaks.

Visarjan (Immersion) â€” carrying the Ganesha idol in procession with music and dhol for immersion in rivers or lakes.

Traditional Foods & Bhog

Modak â€” steamed (Ukadiche Modak) or fried sweet dumplings filled with grated coconut and jaggery.

Motichoor Laddu & Besan Laddu â€” classic sweet offerings loved by Lord Ganesha.

Karanji / Gujia & Payesh â€” festive Bengali sweet desserts.

Festival Calendar

Sep14

Ganesh Chaturthi

৩০ ভাদ্র • গণেশ চতুর্থী ২০২৬

Mon

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Quick Info

FestivalGanesh Chaturthi (Vinayaka Chaturthi)

Date14 September 2026

DayMonday

Tithiচতুর্দশী

Bangla Date৩০ ভাদ্র ১৪৩৩

Pakshaকৃষ্ণপক্ষ

Panjika Details

Sunrise5:35 AM

Sunset5:40 PM

Nakshatraভরণী

Yogaবজ্র

Karanaগর

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