Ganesh Chaturthi in 2025

The best time to perform Ganesh Chaturthi puja is during the Midday Muhurat, as it is believed that Lord Ganesha was born at this time. Given below are important timings for 27th August, including the puja time and other key periods to remember:

What is the Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi?

Ganesh Chaturthi holds a special place in the hearts of people as they come together to honor Lord Ganesha, who is believed to be the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This celebration is rooted in a fascinating legend. In his childhood, Ganesha was entrusted with guarding his mother's bath and was instructed not to allow anyone to enter. Even when Lord Shiva himself attempted to enter, Ganesha dutifully prevented him. In a moment of frustration, Lord Shiva accidentally severed Ganesha's head. This event deeply moved Goddess Parvati, who insisted that Ganesha be brought back to life. 

To restore Ganesha, Lord Brahma affixed the head of an elephant onto his body, resulting in his distinctive portrayal as an elephant-headed deity. This distinctive appearance has become a hallmark of Lord Ganesha. Beyond his unique form, he is renowned for his capacity to eliminate obstacles from people's paths and usher in achievements and prosperity. 

The observance of Ganesh Chaturthi is a way for people to commemorate and rejoice in the rebirth of Lord Ganesha. It offers an opportunity to express unwavering devotion to him and to seek his blessings, empowering individuals to overcome any challenges they may encounter on their journey.

How is Ganesh Chaturthi  (Ganesh Puja) Celebrated?

In a few parts of India such as Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh the festival of Ganesh is celebrated for ten days. It is a public occasion. Sweets are offered. On the day of the festival, clay idols of Vinayaka are installed in homes or outdoor in decorated tents for the public to view and submit their homage. Clay idols of Ganesh are also installed by schools and colleges.

What Rituals are Observed for Vinayaka Chaturthi?

Though the festival is the same and has similar connotations across India, each region has slight variations in rituals and traditions. The celebrations last between 7 and 10 days at different places. A few common observances are:

• Installation of Ganapati statue: A statue of the Elephant God is installed on a pedestal either at home or in a public place with a pranprathishtha puja.
• Not looking at the moon: On the first night of the festival, people avoid looking at the moon because it is considered a bad omen.
• Prayers: Washing of the statue; puja with the chanting of shlokas and offerings of flowers and sweets; and aarti, i.e. circumlocution of the idol with a plate filled with a lit earthern/metal lamp, kumkum and flowers, is done. Prayer meetings are also conducted at Ganapati temples and public installations every day in the evenings and in some places, in the mornings as well.
• Special performances: Some public installations of Lord Ganesh might also have performances with dance, music, and skits.
• Making and eating modak: Modak is believed to be Ganapati's favourite sweet. So, these dumplings are made and distributed as prasad during the festival. Other food items such as laddoo, barfi, pedha, and sundal are also distributed during this time.
• Visarjan: This is the immersion of the idol in a water body and is conducted on the last day - anywhere between the seventh and eleventh days - of the festival. It is accompanied by a procession of people chanting bhajans and shlokas and songs, with the idol. People seek forgiveness for the mistakes they have done so far and request the god to help them stay on the righteous path. Ganesha is thanked for visiting the home/locality, for being removing obstacles from people's path, and for the auspiciousness he bestows.

Why is Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated?

The Hindu festival, Ganesh Chaturthi commemorates the birth of Lord Ganesha, who is thought to be the child of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Hindu mythology holds that Lord Shiva gave Ganesha existence after Parvati fashioned him from the dirt on her body. People from different communities and backgrounds come together for the widely observed and inclusive celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi in India. As individuals from various castes, religions, and social classes take part in the festivities, it promotes a sense of solidarity. Since it has been observed for so long, the festival is significant both historically and culturally. It is an essential component of Indian heritage and culture. 

What is the Story of Ganesh Chaturthi? 

Hindus observe Ganesh Chaturthi, which is also known as Lord Ganesha's birthday, with great fervour and devotion in order to honour the Hindu deity and ask for his blessings on living a prosperous and trouble-free life. 

Ganesh Chaturthi Holidays 2026-2028

The following table outlines the schedule of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival for the next 4 years:

Ganesh Chaturthi / Ganesh Puja is majorly a national festival, which is marked with the installation of Ganesh clay idols both publicly and privately. The festival celebrates Lord Vinayaka or Ganesh as the God of new beginnings and remover of hurdles. Lord Ganesh is worshipped for prosperity and knowledge.

History of Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh is known by the names Heramba, Ekadanta, Ganapati, Vinayaka and Pillaiyar. Ganesh Chaturthi / Ganesh Puja is one of the widely celebrated Hindu festivals in the country. The blessings of Lord Ganesha are invoked at religious ceremonies. Lord Vinayaka is known as the fortune giver and one who can assist to avoid natural calamities. He is also the patron god of traveling. Lord Vinayaka is portrayed with an elephant's head on a human body. According to Hindu customs, Lord Ganesh is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Is Vinayaka Chaturthi a Public Holiday?

Ganesh Chaturthi is not a public holiday across India. It is a regional holiday that is celebrated only in certain states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Even in these states, it is not mandatory for an employer to declare the Ganesha Festival as a holiday.

Which States Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi?

Ganesh Chaturthi/Chavithi is celebrated with great pomp and show in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, and Karnataka. Other states that celebrate this festival are: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Delhi, and Punjab.

Ganesh Visarjan – The Final Day of Ganesh Chaturthi

The farewell procession, or Ganesh Visarjan, is the grand culmination of the festival. This is the celebration in which the installed idols of the god are immersed in a water body. The immersion might be done in the nearest pond, lake, river, or sea. Those who do not have access to a large water body might also do symbolic immersions in by dipping the idol in a small vessel or water barrel at home.

The idol is taken from the place of installation - home or public pandals - to the water body in a huge procession accompanied by devotees singing bhajans or songs. Depending on the size of the idol, it may be carried on the shoulders of either the head of the family or a symbolic head of the area, or taken on a wooden carrier, or in a vehicle.

All these proceedings are accompanied by chants of Ganapati bapa moriya, bhajans, dance, and distribution of prasad and flowers.

Why are Ganesha Statues Immersed in Water on the Last Day of the Festival?

Ganesh Visarjan symbolises the end of the festival as well as the fact that everything on Earth eventually merges with one or more of the elements of nature. It also indicates the birth cycle of Lord Vinayak - he was born from clay and returns to the elements in that form. In literal terms, he is going back to his heavenly abode after staying with his devotees for 7 to 10 days.

Best Places to Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 in India

The following are the top five Indian destinations to visit during Ganesh Chaturthi holidays 2025:

Mumbai: Mumbai, the capital city of Maharashtra, celebrates the festival of Vinayaka Chaturthi with great enthusiasm and zeal. More than 6000 idols are commissioned every year. The festival is celebrated nationally, but the maximum grandeur is witnessed in the city of Mumbai. The celebration was promoted by Shivaji, the great Maratha ruler. The popular Ganesh Pandals in the city include Lalbaugcha Raja and KhetwadiGanraj.

Pune: Pune, the cultural capital of Maharashtra, hosts one the best Vinayaka Chaturthi Celebrations in the country. The festival is the most joyful and colorful event in the cultural, religious and social life of Pune. The top five idols in Pune comprise of Kasba Ganpati, Tulsi Baug, Kesariwada Ganapathi, Guruji Talim and Jogeshwari Ganapathi.

Hyderabad: Like Pune and Mumbai, Hyderabad, the capital city of Andhra Pradesh, is one of the popular destinations to witness the royal celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi. Kharitabad hosts one of the biggest Ganesh idols in the nation. The Ganesh Utsav Committee in Kharitabad shall install the biggest Ganesh idol.

Goa: The festival of Ganesh holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Goa, the smallest state in India. It is an event of frolic and fun. Moreover, it shall bring about a reunification of families and friends. Various merchant associations install the idols of Lord Ganesh across the state.

Ganpatipule: Ganpatipule, a small city, has a series of vantage points and beaches offering some attractive views of the sea. The Swayambhu Ganapathi Temple of Ganapatipule is renowned for its unique idol of Lord Ganapati. This temple has been the center of festivities.

Day-by-Day Schedule of Ganesh Chaturthi 2025

Day 1: Embracing Lord Ganesha with Devotion and Clay CreationsThe commencement of Ganesh Chaturthi witnesses the installation of Lord Ganesha's divine idol, gracing both homes and transient pandals. Devotees offer fervent prayers, while the market bustles with an assortment of clay idols, each chosen with care to match its intended abode.

Day 2: The Centrality of the Festival

The second day, aptly termed ‘Chaturthi’ assumes a pivotal role as the heart of the entire celebration. 

Day 3: An Exclusive Tapestry of Prayers and Aarti for Lord GaneshaOn the third day, devotees devote themselves to distinct prayers and engage in the ritualistic aarti, channeling their reverence towards Lord Ganesha.

Day 4: Revelry with Devotions, Aarti, and Delectable Offerings

The fourth day resonates with joyous prayers, accompanied by aarti ceremonies and the presentation of delectable sweets as tokens of devotion to Lord Ganesha.

Day 5: Immersion in the Shhodashopachara Pooja for Lord Ganesha

The fifth day encapsulates the ‘Shhodashopachara Pooja’ an intricate ceremony encompassing 16 facets of worship, serving as a homage to Lord Ganesha.

Day 6: Homebound Prayers

Aartis usher in joy as the sixth day dawns, known as ‘Sashti’ intimate prayers and soul-stirring aartis fill the homes of devotees.

Day 7: A Sacred Voyage

Through Special Prayers and Saptapadi or day seven, distinguished as a day of ‘Saptapadi’ entails the performance of the sacred seven steps, accompanied by fervent supplications to Lord Ganesha. 

Day 8: The Reverent Ashtami

Celebrated as ‘Ashtami’ the eighth day unfolds with dedicated prayers, aarti rituals, and the presentation of delightful confections offered to Lord Ganesha.

Day 9: An Affectionate Tribute to Nine Plants

The penultimate day embraces the ‘Navapatrika Pooja’ a heartfelt tribute paid through the worship of nine distinct plants.

Day 10: A Majestic Procession and Ganesh Visarjan

The grand finale, known as ‘Vijayadashami’ signifies the culmination of the festival. Lord Ganesha's resplendent idol embarks on a grand procession, culminating in its immersion, known as Ganesh Visarjan, into the nearby waters. 

Over the course of these ten days, communities immerse themselves in the festivities, joining public revelries and visiting the homes of kin and friends. Cultural galas come to life with harmonious melodies and rhythmic dances. Devotees, in their spirit of compassion, extend their support to the less fortunate through charitable acts, including the donation of clothing and sustenance. 

International Celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi 2025

Ganesh Chaturthi, originating as a quintessential Hindu festival in India, has found its way into the hearts and homes of several countries worldwide. Beyond India's borders, this vibrant celebration has taken root in diverse communities with significant Hindu populations. Let's explore how Ganesh Chaturthi is observed in some of these countries: 

1. Malaysia: A Nine-Day Culinary Tribute Across Malaysia, Ganesh Chaturthi heralds nine days of gastronomic devotion. The ‘Pranprathistha’ ritual sets the stage, invoking Lord Ganesh's earthly presence and initiating the culinary celebrations. Sweet dishes and tantalizing culinary creations are offered to the deity over this period. The festivities culminate in a vibrant procession, where the idol is lovingly carried to a water body for immersion. 
2. Nepal: Honoring Lord Ganesh with Devotion in Nepal, Ganesh Chaturthi, also referred to as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is celebrated with profound reverence. Devotees welcome idols of Lord Ganesh into their homes, engage in heartfelt worship, and relish delectable feasts in the company of friends and family. The culmination of the festivities involves the immersion of the idols, echoing the practice in India. Temples play a pivotal role by conducting prayers and sharing Lord Ganesh's favorite treat, modaks, a sweet delicacy.  
3. Singapore: Floral Adornments and Devotion In the vibrant city-state of Singapore, Ganesh Chaturthi is marked by intimate home worship. Delicately decorated Ganesha idols adorned with vibrant flowers and sacred kumkum and turmeric are the centerpieces of devotion. Offering sugarcane and corn, along with embellishing front gates with mango leaves, adds a charming touch to the festivities. 
4. Mauritius: The island nation of Mauritius mirrors India's Ganesh Chaturthi traditions with heartfelt devotion. Homes are meticulously cleaned and adorned with colorful flowers to welcome the deity. Lord Ganesh's insatiable love for food finds expression in the offering of Modak, a delectable sweet treat made from rice flour, jaggery, and coconut stuffing. 

1. Canada: Grand Celebrations in Toronto Across the Atlantic, Toronto, the bustling Canadian metropolis, transforms into a hub of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. The Indian diaspora brings the festival to life with a tapestry of cultural and religious events. Ganesha idols journey from Indian homes to find a new abode in Canada, where devotees unite for vibrant gatherings, Aarti ceremonies, and the distribution of Prasad.

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