The festive season is almost here, and soon the chants of ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya!’ will echo across homes, streets, and pandals. Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals in India. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and prosperity, the festival is marked by 10 days of devotion, rituals, and grand celebrations.
Everyone has started the preparations in full swing by cleaning and decorating homes, preparing sweets, and setting up pandals. Markets are buzzing with colourful Ganesha idols, and you can already feel the festive excitement in the air. So, when’s the best day to welcome Bappa home?
Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Date, rituals, and puja muhurat
This year, Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, according to Drik Panchang. Devotees usually perform Ganesh Puja around midday, called Madhyahna Kala, because it is believed that Lord Ganesha was born at this time. In Hindu tradition, the day is divided into five parts: Pratahkala, Sangava, Madhyahna, Aparahna, and Sayankal, and Madhyahna is considered the most sacred for installing the idol (Ganapati Sthapana) and doing puja rituals.
The Madhyahna Puja Muhurat is from 11:05 am to 1:40 pm, as per Drik Panchang. During this time, devotees perform the Shodashopachara Ganapati Puja, a ritual with 16 steps, including offering flowers and incense, chanting mantras, and presenting bhog to Lord Ganesha.
The significance of Ganesh Chaturthi
As per Drik Panchang, Ganesh Chaturthi is observed as the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha. As per Hindu beliefs, Lord Ganesha was born during the Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada month, which usually falls in August or September.
On this day, devotees worship him as the god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. Families bring home idols of Ganesha, while celebrations known as Ganeshotsav, see beautifully decorated pandals set up across cities. Offerings of flowers, coconut, and Lord Ganesha’s favourite sweet, the modak, are made during prayers.
Why you shouldn’t look at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi
One unique tradition of Ganesh Chaturthi is the prohibition of moon sighting. According to Hindu mythology, anyone who sees the moon on this day may be cursed with Mithya Dosha, false accusations and dishonour.
According to Drik Panchang, the moon god (Chandra) once made fun of Lord Ganesha’s appearance. Angered, Ganesha cursed that anyone who sees the moon on Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi could face false accusations. Later, when Lord Krishna was wrongly accused of stealing the Syamantaka jewel, Sage Narada said it happened because Krishna had accidentally seen the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi. Krishna fasted and prayed to Lord Ganesha.
Even today, devotees avoid looking at the moon on this day, instead focusing on prayers and rituals.
The 10-Day Celebration and Ganesh Visarjan
The festival goes on for 10 days with prayers, music, and fun processions. On the last day, called Anant Chaturdashi, people take the idols of Lord Ganesha to rivers, lakes, or the sea and immerse them in water. This ritual, called Ganesh Visarjan, shows the cycle of life and reminds us that nothing lasts forever.
The streets come alive with dancing, music, and chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya!” (O Lord Ganesha, come back early next year).
From Mumbai’s grand Lalbaugcha Raja to small eco-friendly idols in homes, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with immense devotion across India.