Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Ganesh Chaturthi holds deep spiritual importance for devotees of Lord Ganesha across India and abroad. Observed on the Chaturthi Tithi dedicated to Lord Vinayaka, this sacred fast is believed to bring wisdom, patience and obstacle-free progress in life. In 2026, devotees will observe multiple Vinayaka Chaturthi vrat dates throughout the year, with the most significant celebration falling in the Bhadrapada month as Ganesh Chaturthi.
According to the Hindu Panchang, each lunar month has two Chaturthi Tithis. The Chaturthi during Shukla Paksha is known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, while the one in Krishna Paksha is observed as Sankashti Chaturthi. Among all, Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi is celebrated as Ganesha Chaturthi, marking the divine appearance of Lord Ganesha.
Ganesha Chaturthi / Vinayaka Chaturthi Vrat: Dates and Puja Timings
| Date (2026) | Chaturthi Name | Puja Muhurta (Midday) | Chaturthi Tithi (Begins – Ends) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 22, Thursday | Ganesha Jayanti, Gauri Ganesha Chaturthi | 11:29 AM – 01:37 PM | 02:47 AM (Jan 22) – 02:28 AM (Jan 23) |
| February 21, Saturday | Dhundhiraja Chaturthi | 11:27 AM – 01:00 PM | 02:38 PM (Feb 20) – 01:00 PM (Feb 21) |
| March 22, Sunday | Vasudeva Chaturthi | 11:15 AM – 01:41 PM | 11:56 PM (Mar 21) – 09:16 PM (Mar 22) |
| April 20, Monday | Sankarshana Chaturthi | 11:02 AM – 01:38 PM | 07:27 AM (Apr 20) – 04:14 AM (Apr 21) |
| May 20, Wednesday | Varada Chaturthi | 10:56 AM – 11:06 AM | 02:18 PM (May 19) – 11:06 AM (May 20) |
| June 18, Thursday | Pradyumna Chaturthi | 10:58 AM – 01:46 PM | 09:38 PM (Jun 17) – 06:58 PM (Jun 18) |
| July 17, Friday | Aniruddha Chaturthi | 11:05 AM – 01:50 PM | 06:27 AM (Jul 17) – 04:42 AM (Jul 18) |
| August 16, Sunday | Durva Ganapati Chaturthi | 11:06 AM – 01:44 PM | 05:28 PM (Aug 15) – 04:52 PM (Aug 16) |
| September 14, Monday | Ganesh Chaturthi, Siddhivinayaka Chaturthi | 11:02 AM – 01:31 PM | 07:06 AM (Sep 14) – 07:44 AM (Sep 15) |
| October 14, Wednesday | Kapardisha Chaturthi | 10:58 AM – 01:16 PM | 11:27 PM (Oct 13) – 01:13 AM (Oct 15) |
| November 13, Friday | Labh Chaturthi | 11:01 AM – 01:10 PM | 06:09 PM (Nov 12) – 08:42 PM (Nov 13) |
| December 13, Sunday | Krichchhra Chaturthi | 11:13 AM – 01:17 PM | 02:06 PM (Dec 12) – 04:47 PM (Dec 13) |
Vinayaka Chaturthi Vrat: Significance
Vinayaka Chaturthi, also called Varad Vinayaka Chaturthi, is observed with devotion to seek blessings for success, clarity of mind, and inner strength. Scriptures highlight that Lord Ganesha grants wisdom and patience to those who observe the vrat with sincerity. The Ganesh Puja is traditionally performed during the afternoon Madhyahna period, which is considered most auspicious.
Ganesha Chaturthi Puja Vidhi
On Vinayaka Chaturthi, devotees wake up early, take a ritual bath, and prepare a clean altar for Lord Ganesha. The puja includes offering durva grass, modak, flowers, incense, and lamps. Mantras and stotras dedicated to Lord Vinayaka are chanted during the afternoon muhurta. Observing the vrat with devotion is believed to remove obstacles and invite prosperity.
Why Ganesh Chaturthi Matters?
Ganesh Chaturthi is more than a festival or fasting day. It is a reminder of discipline, faith, and humility rooted in age-old Hindu tradition. Whether observed monthly or during the grand Bhadrapada celebration, the vrat encourages spiritual balance and mindful living.
For devotees planning Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 puja, following the correct tithi, timing, and rituals ensures the observance remains spiritually fulfilling and aligned with traditional practices.
FAQs
1. When is Ganesh Chaturthi in 2026?
Ganesh Chaturthi will be observed on September 14, 2026 (Monday) during the Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi.
2. Why is Ganesh Chaturthi considered the most important Vinayaka Chaturthi?
It marks the birth of Lord Ganesha and is the most widely celebrated Chaturthi across India with elaborate puja and festivities.
3. How many Ganesh Chaturthi vrat days are there in 2026?
There are 12 Vinayaka Chaturthi vrat days, one in each lunar month, dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
4. What is the best time to perform Ganesh Puja on Vinayaka Chaturthi?
Ganesh Puja is best performed during the afternoon (Madhyahna Kaal) when Chaturthi Tithi prevails.
5. Can Ganesh Chaturthi fasting dates vary by location?
Yes, fasting dates may differ based on local sunrise and midday timings, so location-based Panchang is recommended.
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