The festival begins the much-loved Ganeshotsav, during which devotees bring Lord Ganesha idols into their homes, housing societies, temples and public pandals. Depending on family and regional traditions, the idol may be kept for one-and-a-half days, three days, five days, seven days or through Anant Chaturdashi, when the grand 10-day celebration traditionally concludes with Ganesh Visarjan.Here is everything you need to know about Ganesh Chaturthi 2026, including the exact date, Chaturthi Tithi, puja timing, Ganesh Sthapana, puja samagri, rituals, fasting rules, moon-sighting tradition, visarjan dates and frequently asked questions.With Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 just four days away, preparations for Ganeshotsav are already beginning across homes, temples and community pandals. Devotees planning Ganesh Sthapana on September 14 can begin arranging the idol, puja samagri and decorations in advance. This year, the festival will also coincide with Hartalika Teej, making September 14 an especially significant day in the Hindu festival calendar.Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Date: When Is Ganesh Chaturthi?Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 will be observed on Monday, September 14, 2026. The festival falls on Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi, the fourth lunar day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated as the birth anniversary or appearance day of Lord Ganesha.The date can cause confusion because the Chaturthi Tithi begins on September 13 in some locations. However, the principal Ganesh Chaturthi festival is observed on September 14, when the Chaturthi Tithi is present during the Madhyahna period considered especially significant for Ganesha worship.Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Important Dates at a GlanceEventDateTiming/DetailsGanesh ChaturthiMonday, September 14, 2026Main festivalChaturthi Tithi beginsSeptember 13, 20266:36 PM in New DelhiChaturthi Tithi endsSeptember 14, 20267:14 PM in New DelhiMadhyahna Ganesh Puja MuhuratSeptember 1411:02 AM–1:31 PMGanesh VisarjanFriday, September 25Anant ChaturdashiFestival durationUp to 10 daysVaries by family and regional traditionThe exact timings can vary by city because Hindu Panchang calculations are location-specific.ET OnlineGanesh Chaturthi 2026 Puja Muhurat: City-wise timings for Ganesh Sthapana and worship on September 14.Why Is Ganesh Chaturthi on September 14 in 2026?One of the biggest questions this year is: Is Ganesh Chaturthi on September 13 or September 14?The answer is September 14, 2026. The reason for the confusion is that the Chaturthi Tithi begins on September 13 evening in New Delhi and continues into September 14. However, Ganesh Chaturthi is traditionally associated with the Madhyahna period, or midday, and September 14 is the day on which the main celebration and puja are observed. In New Delhi, the Chaturthi Tithi begins at 6:36 PM on September 13 and ends at 7:14 PM on September 14. The main Ganesh Puja Muhurat falls on September 14 from 11:02 AM to 1:31 PM.Therefore: Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 = Monday, September 14.Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Puja MuhuratThe most important timing for devotees planning Ganesh Sthapana and puja is the Madhyahna Ganesh Puja Muhurat.New Delhi Ganesh Chaturthi Puja TimeDate: Monday, September 14, 2026Madhyahna Ganesh Puja Muhurat: 11:02 AM to 1:31 PMBecause puja timings depend on local sunrise, sunset and Panchang calculations, devotees in Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai and other cities should check the timing for their specific location rather than automatically following the New Delhi time.What Is the Best Time for Ganesh Sthapana in 2026?Ganesh Sthapana should ideally be performed during the Madhyahna period on September 14, 2026. The idol is traditionally installed after preparing the puja space and performing the required purification rituals. Devotees then invoke Lord Ganesha into the idol and begin the formal worship. The Madhyahna period is especially important because traditional belief associates Lord Ganesha's birth with midday. If you are bringing Ganesha home, it is advisable to complete the basic preparation of the altar and puja materials before the auspicious puja window begins.Read Detail: Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Date, Puja Muhurat, Tithi, Rituals, Visarjan and Everything You Need to KnowWhen Is Ganesh Visarjan 2026?The major concluding day of the 2026 Ganesh festival is Anant Chaturdashi on Friday, September 25, 2026. This is traditionally regarded as the final and most prominent day for Ganesh Visarjan after the 10-day Ganeshotsav.Can Ganesh Idol Be Immersed at Home?Yes. Many families now choose home immersion, especially when using a small natural clay idol. A clean bucket, tub or suitable container can be used where permitted and appropriate. The dissolved clay can subsequently be returned to soil or used for plants, depending on local guidance. For larger public immersions, devotees should follow the designated immersion sites and local environmental rules.Is Ganesh Chaturthi a Public Holiday?The holiday status of Ganesh Chaturthi varies by state, employer and institution. In India, the festival is widely observed, particularly in Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and several other regions. Some states and institutions declare a holiday while others may observe the festival without closing completely.Disclaimer Statement: This content is authored by a 3rd party. The views expressed here are that of the respective authors/ entities and do not represent the views of Economic Times (ET). ET does not guarantee, vouch for or endorse any of its contents nor is responsible for them in any manner whatsoever. 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