About Ganesh Chaturthi
The ten-day festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha — the beloved elephant-headed deity of new beginnings, wisdom and prosperity.
Significance
Ganesha is worshipped before any auspicious undertaking. The public celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi was popularised by freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak in Maharashtra as a means of community gathering. The festival ends with Ganpati Visarjan on the 11th day.
Rituals & Observances
- ✦Installing clay Ganesha idols at home and in neighbourhood pandals
- ✦Twice-daily aarti with full panopoly of lamps and incense
- ✦Offering modak (steamed sweet rice dumplings — Ganesha's favourite)
- ✦Processions with music, dhol and shehnai
- ✦Ganpati Visarjan (immersion of idol in water) on Day 1, 3, 5, 7 or 11
- ✦Eco-friendly clay idols preferred
Ganesh Temples to Visit
View all →Sri Sri 1008 Gou Ganesh Mandir
3/C, Darpanarayan Tagore St
Shiva Parvati Shani Maruti Navagraha Ganesha Temple
Mysore, Karnataka
Varad Vallabh Ganpati Temple, Agra
Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Ganesh Chaturthi in 2026?▾
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 falls on Sunday, 30 August 2026. Note that festival dates may vary by 1–2 days by region — verify with a local panchangam.
Why is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated?▾
Ganesha is worshipped before any auspicious undertaking. The public celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi was popularised by freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak in Maharashtra as a means of community gathering. The festival ends with Ganpati Visarjan on the 11th day.
What are the main rituals of Ganesh Chaturthi?▾
Installing clay Ganesha idols at home and in neighbourhood pandals. Twice-daily aarti with full panopoly of lamps and incense. Offering modak (steamed sweet rice dumplings — Ganesha's favourite).
Which temples are best to visit on Ganesh Chaturthi?▾
The best temples to visit on Ganesh Chaturthi are those dedicated to Ganesh. See the temple listings below for top-rated options near you.
Upcoming Festivals
Festival dates are approximate and based on the Hindu lunisolar calendar. Actual dates may vary by 1–2 days by region. Verify with a local panchangam.