The festive season is in full swing, and the streets have started echoing with chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya!” Across India, families are getting ready to say goodbye to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and god of wisdom and prosperity. After 10 days of prayers, music, sweets, and celebrations, Ganeshotsav ends on Anant Chaturdashi, the day of Ganesha Visarjan. Ganesha Visarjan is when devotees immerse the idol in rivers, lakes, or the sea, offering prayers, sweets, and flowers while chanting in celebration. The festival spans across ten days, with each day adding to the cheer around the mega celebrations. Ganpati idols are brought home and worshipped. It’s one of the biggest festivals in Maharashtra, and also celebrated in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Goa, and Gujarat.
But when is the most auspicious time to perform the Ganesh Visarjan rituals?
Anant Chaturdashi 2025: Date, rituals, shubh muhurat and more
This year, Anant Chaturdashi falls on Saturday, September 6, 2025. As per Drik Panchang, the Chaturdashi tithi begins at 3:12 am on September 6 and ends at 1:41 am on September 7. This day is highly auspicious for performing Ganesha Visarjan and also for worshipping Lord Vishnu in his Anant form.
During Ganpati Visarjan, devotees across India immerse the idol in rivers, lakes, or the sea. Some families follow their own traditions and perform Visarjan on the 3rd, 5th, or 7th day after Ganesh Chaturthi. For smaller celebrations, idols can even be immersed in tubs or buckets at home.
Shubh Muhurat for Ganesha Visarjan
A key part of planning Ganesha Visarjan is performing rituals during the auspicious Choghadiya muhurats. As per Drik Panchang, these are for Anant Chaturdashi 2025:
– Morning Muhurat (Shubha): 07:36 am – 09:10 am
– Afternoon Muhurat (Chara, Labha, Amrita): 12:19 pm – 05:02 pm
– Evening Muhurat (Labha): 06:37 pm – 08:02 pm
– Night Muhurat (Shubha, Amrita, Chara): 09:28 pm – 01:45 am (Sep 7)
– Early Morning Muhurat (Labha): 04:36 am – 06:02 am (Sep 7)
Rituals of Ganesha Visarjan
On Anant Chaturdashi, the idol of Lord Ganesha is carried through streets in a grand procession, where devotees chant ‘Ganapati Bappa Morya.’ Devotees offer coconuts, flowers, and sweets as a final offering before immersing the idol in water. Traditional instruments like Dhol and Tasha create a festive atmosphere that lasts all night.
This day is also significant for Lord Vishnu devotees. Many observe a day-long fast and tie a sacred thread during the puja, which is believed to protect them from all troubles.
Ganpati Visarjan celebrations across India
While Mumbai is famous for its massive street processions under the guidance of Ganpati Mandals, cities and towns across India have their own unique ways of celebrating. In Telugu-speaking regions, Ganesha Visarjan is known as Vinayaka Nimajjanam. Families follow their own traditions, sometimes performing Visarjan before the 11th day of Ganeshotsav.
The immersion of the idol symbolises bidding farewell to Lord Ganesha with the hope that he returns next year bringing happiness, prosperity, and good fortune. Anant Chaturdashi is more than just a day of ritual. Whether in large city processions or at home with family, the festival marks an unforgettable end to the 10-day celebrations.
