Ganesh Chaturthi, also called Vinayaka Chaturthi, is one of the most auspicious and vibrant Hindu festivals celebrated across India. The festival marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and prosperity. Celebrated with devotion and grandeur, Ganesh Chaturthi brings communities together in prayer, celebration, and spiritual reflection.
In 2025, the festival will begin on Tuesday, August 26, and conclude with Ganesh Visarjan on Saturday, September 6, observed as Anant Chaturdashi.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Important Dates and Puja Timings
Devotees keen to perform Ganesh puja at the most auspicious time should take note of the following details:
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Chaturthi Tithi Begins: August 26, 2025 – 1:54 PM
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Chaturthi Tithi Ends: August 27, 2025 – 3:44 PM
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Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat: August 27, from 11:12 AM to 1:44 PM
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Ganesh Visarjan (Anant Chaturdashi): Saturday, September 6, 2025
The Madhyahna period is considered the most auspicious time to perform Ganesha Sthapana and Puja. Many households and public mandals install idols during this time to invoke Lord Ganesha’s presence.
Traditional Rituals and Celebrations
Ganesh Chaturthi is marked by a series of sacred rituals that devotees perform with dedication and joy.
Installation of Ganesha Idols
On the day of Chaturthi, devotees bring home or install clay idols of Lord Ganesha, beautifully decorated and placed on elevated platforms adorned with flowers, lights, and rangoli designs.
Daily Puja and Offerings
Devotees perform daily aarti and offer sweets, especially modaks, which are considered Lord Ganesha’s favorite. Homes and public pandals resonate with chants like “Ganpati Bappa Morya”, bhajans, and drum beats throughout the ten-day festival.
Devotional Activities
Many households organize kirtans, puja recitations, and community feasts. Children and elders alike take part in storytelling sessions about Lord Ganesha’s wisdom and divine acts.
Ganesh Visarjan
On the 10th day, the idol is immersed in water (usually rivers, lakes, or artificial tanks), symbolizing the deity’s return to Mount Kailash. This farewell is performed with devotion and enthusiasm, accompanied by music, dance, and loud chants asking for his return the following year.
Fasting Rules and Observances During Ganesh Chaturthi
Fasting during Ganesh Chaturthi is a common spiritual practice, observed with purity of mind and body. Here’s what devotees should keep in mind:
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Choose Your Fasting Style: Some devotees opt for a complete fast (nirjal), while others eat only one sattvic meal a day.
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Purity Is Key: Devotees must abstain from negative thoughts, gossip, and anger. Instead, focus on japa, meditation, and reciting mantras like “Om Gan Ganapataye Namah”.
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Avoid Certain Foods: Meat, onion, garlic, and heavily spiced or oily dishes are to be strictly avoided.
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Use Rock Salt Only: Replace common salt with sendha namak, as it is considered pure for vrat.
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Stay Hydrated: If performing a waterless fast, ensure to hydrate adequately before and after.
These fasting guidelines not only strengthen spiritual discipline but also purify the body and mind, making the puja more meaningful.
Regions Where Ganesh Chaturthi Is Celebrated With Grandeur
In a landmark move blending tradition with policy, the Maharashtra government has officially declared Ganeshotsav, the 10-day grand celebration of Lord Ganesha, as the ‘Maharashtra State Festival’ or ‘Rajya Utsav’ in July 2025
While Maharashtra leads in public Ganesh festivities with grand mandals and processions, the festival is also celebrated with enthusiasm in:
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Karnataka
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Andhra Pradesh
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Telangana
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Tamil Nadu
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Goa
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Gujarat
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Rajasthan
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Madhya Pradesh
In each state, the traditions vary slightly, but the essence remains the same devotion to Lord Ganesha and celebration of his divine presence.
A Festival of Faith, Family, and Spiritual Renewal
Ganesh Chaturthi is much more than a ritual it’s a heartfelt spiritual journey. As families come together in prayer, fasting, and celebration, they strengthen not just their bond with Lord Ganesha but also with one another. The ten days of Ganesh Utsav are a reminder to invite wisdom, remove inner obstacles, and seek blessings for health, prosperity, and happiness.
As Ganpati Bappa is lovingly bid farewell with hopes of his return next year, he leaves behind homes filled with joy and hearts filled with strength.