Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 — the joyful Hindu festival welcoming Lord Ganesha — begins on Monday, September 14, 2026. The ten-day celebration ends with the grand immersion, Ganesh Visarjan, on Anant Chaturdashi in late September. Watch the time tick down on our live Ganesh Chaturthi countdown.
When is Ganesh Chaturthi 2026?
The festival falls on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, which in 2026 lands on September 14. Because it follows the Hindu lunisolar calendar, the Gregorian date shifts each year. Idols of Ganesha are installed in homes and public pandals on the first day amid prayers, music and sweets — especially modak, the deity's favourite.
Ganesh Visarjan and Anant Chaturdashi
Devotees immerse their idols on different days — commonly the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th or 10th day. The biggest processions come on the final day, Anant Chaturdashi (around September 25, 2026), when towering idols are carried to rivers, lakes and the sea for Visarjan, marking Ganesha's return home. Mumbai and the rest of Maharashtra host the most spectacular celebrations.
How it is celebrated
- Pandals — elaborate decorated marquees housing community Ganesha idols.
- Modak and laddoo — sweets offered to the deity and shared.
- Aarti and bhajans — daily prayers and devotional singing.
- Visarjan processions — drumming, dancing and chants of "Ganpati Bappa Morya".
Count down to Ganesh Chaturthi
Open the live Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 countdown, explore more festival countdowns, or create your own countdown. The Days Until tool works for any date you like.