Ganesh Chaturthi commemorates Lord Ganesh's birth, revered for wisdom, prosperity, and fortune. His birth during Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada month places the festival in August or September in the English calendar.
Ganapati Sthapana and Ganapati Puja Muhurat:
Ganesh Puja is preferred during Madhyahna as it is believed that Lord Ganesh was born during Madhyahna Kala. Madhyahna Kala is equivalent to midday according to Hindu division of the day.
As per Hindu time-keeping, the time duration between sunrise to sunset is divided into five equal parts. These five parts are known as Pratahkala, Sangava, Madhyahna, Aparahna and Sayankal. Ganapati Sthapana and Ganapati Puja on Ganesha Chaturthi are done during the Madhyahna part of the day, and as per Vedic astrology, it is considered the most appropriate time for Ganesha Puja.
Date and Time:
Ganesha Chaturthi on Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat - 10:22 AM to 12:54 PM
Duration - 02 Hours 32 Mins.
Mantra and chants:
Chant "Om Gan Ganpataye Namah" 108 times, which is considered to build positive energy. You can also recite a third powerful chant, "Om Vakratundaya Hum," ideal during installation and ideally used year-round for continuous blessings.
Offerings:
Ganesha Puja is incomplete without the sweet offerings. So Modaks are a traditional must! Bring 21 modaks as a special offering, symbolising the triumph over the three gunas (qualities). Include Durva grass and red hibiscus flowers, as beloved by Lord Ganesha. After the puja, devotees seek Ganesha’s grace and share prasad within their families and community. Once the aarti is done, distribute the prasad (modaks, fruits, and sweets) to the family and guests.
Why is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated for 10 days?
According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Parvati created Lord Ganesha from the Sandalwood paste that she used for her bath where she breathed life into the idol. One day, when she was bathing, she instructed him to stand guard.
However, when her husband, Shiva returned, Ganesh denied entry to him. Resultantly, Lord Shiva beheaded Ganesha. Later, to make up for what he had done, Shiva granted Ganesh a new head of that of an elephant. This is being reenacted during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi which lasts for 10 days, representing the birth of Lord Ganesha and his journey back to his mother Parvati.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: 10 Days Celebration
Day 1. Ganesh Chaturthi
The 10-day festival begins with the installation of Ganesh idols in homes and temples, making the ritual of 'pran pratishtha', inviting the spirit of lord Ganesha into the idol. Apart from this, Ganapati Puja is also accompanied by the chanting of hymns and offering sweets like modaks, the favourite sweets of Ganesha.
The second and third days are generally devoted to devotional singing and cultural performances. Temples with local communities organise Bhajans, dance performances and cultural programs celebrating Lord Ganesha. This is one of the most joyful days as competitions and events are also being organised in different places.
Day 10: Post-Immersion Rituals
There are many post-immersion rituals and clean-up activities. A small puja is organised to thank lord Ganesha for his blessings.
Visarjan:
On Anant Chaturdashi (Sept 6), idols are taken in procession and immersed in water. It’s a joyous goodbye marked by the chant of “Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya,” that loosely translates to "O Lord Ganesha, come early next year!
May Lord Ganesh bring you good luck and prosperity! Bengalen team, wishing you and your families A Very Happy Vinayaka Chaturthi !
