Ganesh Chaturthi

Significance

The birthday of Ganesha, remover of obstacles and lord of beginnings — welcomed home as a guest for up to ten days before a grand farewell to the water.

The story behind Ganesh Chaturthi

Parvati shaped a boy from turmeric paste to guard her door; when he barred even Shiva, his head was struck off — and, at Parvati's grief, restored with an elephant's, making Ganesha first-worshipped of all. Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates that beloved form, installed at home and immersed at the end so that the god returns to his source.

How Ganesh Chaturthi is observed

• Installing a clay Ganesha and daily worship with modaks, his favourite sweet.
• Midday puja on the first day, the hour of his birth.
• Aarti, and the story of his birth read aloud.
• Visarjan — the immersion procession on the final day.

Puja Vidhi & Prayers

Watch the step-by-step puja vidhi, aarti, and prayers for Ganesh Chaturthi.

Ganesh Chaturthi dates (2015–2035)

Dates are computed from precise sidereal (Lahiri) astronomy for a New Delhi reference and may vary by ±1 day for some evening/midnight festivals depending on your location and regional tradition — the timings above adjust to where you are.