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Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is a major Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha. During this festival, people hold grand processions, carrying statues of Lord Ganesha through the streets. Vibrant celebrations, music, and prayers mark the festival.
Ganesh Chaturthi is a significant religious holiday celebrated across many states in India. Although the festival’s main day is a public holiday, the celebrations last 10 days. People participate in rituals, processions, and festivities to honor Lord Ganesha during this time.
Vinayaka Chaturthi 2024 Date
| Day | Date | States |
| Saturday | 07 September 2024 | Maharashtra, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh |
Time and Muharat for Vinayak Chaturdashi Puja
The 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival begins on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, typically falling between August and September. In 2024, the festival will commence on Friday, September 6, at 03:01 p.m., and conclude on Tuesday, September 17, with Ganesh Visarjan taking place on September 17. The Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat, a highly auspicious time for worship, will occur from 11:03 a.m. to 01:34 p.m., lasting for 2 hours and 31 minutes.
| Date | Date and Time |
| Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Start date | 7 September 2024(Saturday) |
| Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Puja tithi start: | 6 September 2024 (Friday) at 3:01 PM |
| Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Puja tithi end: | 7 September 2024 at 5:37 PM |
| Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Puja muhurat | 7 September 2024 at 11:03 AM to 01:34 PM |
| Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: End date/visarjan: | 17 September 2024 (Tuesday) |
Why is Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated?
Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival that honours the birth of Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva brought Ganesha to life after Parvati shaped him from the dirt on her body. This festival is widely celebrated across India, uniting people from different communities, castes, religions, and social backgrounds. It promotes a sense of unity and holds immense historical and cultural significance, making it a cherished part of India’s heritage.
Ganesh Chaturthi Holidays 2025-2028
The table below provides the Ganesh Chaturthi festival schedule for the next four years:
Ganesh Chaturthi / Ganesh Puja is a prominent national festival, celebrated with the installation of Ganesh clay idols, both in public spaces and private homes. The festival honours Lord Vinayaka or Ganesh, the God of new beginnings and overcoming obstacles. Devotees worship Lord Ganesh seeking prosperity and knowledge.
| Day | Date | Festival |
| Wednesday | 27 August 2025 | Ganesh Chaturthi |
| Monday | 14 September 2026 | Ganesh Chaturthi |
| Saturday | 4 September 2027 | Ganesh Chaturthi |
| Wednesday | 23 August 2028 | Ganesh Chaturthi |
History of Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Ganesh Puja, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with great zeal across India. It honours Lord Ganesha, who is also known by names such as Heramba, Ekadanta, Ganapati, Vinayaka, and Pillaiyar.
Lord Ganesha is revered for his ability to bring good fortune and protect against natural calamities. He is also considered the patron deity of travellers. Depicted with the head of an elephant and the body of a human, Lord Ganesha is believed to be the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The festival is marked by invoking his blessings through various religious rituals and ceremonies.
How is Ganesh Chaturthi / Ganesh Puja Celebrated?
In states such as Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated as a 10-day public festival. During this period, clay idols of Lord Ganesha are placed in homes, public spaces, and even in beautifully decorated tents. Schools and colleges also participate by installing these idols. Devotees offer sweets and show their reverence to the deity. The festival is characterized by vibrant decorations and large public gatherings that bring the community together.
Is Vinayaka Chaturthi a Public Holiday?
Ganesh Chaturthi is not a nationwide public holiday in India. It is a regional holiday in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. However, even in these states, employers are not obligated to declare it a holiday.
Which States Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi?
Ganesh Chaturthi, also called Ganesh Chavithi, is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, and Karnataka. The festival is also observed in several other states, including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Delhi, and Punjab.
What Rituals Are Observed for Vinayaka Chaturthi?
While Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated across India, each region has its distinct rituals and traditions. The festival generally lasts between 7 and 10 days, depending on the region. Some of the common practices include:
1. Installation of Ganapati statue: Lord Ganesha, the Elephant God, is placed on a pedestal at home or in a public space. The ceremony is followed by a special ritual called Pranapratishtha Puja, where prayers are offered to consecrate and welcome the idol.
2. Do not look at the moon: On the first night of Ganesh Chaturthi, it is believed to bring bad luck if one looks at the moon, and people avoid doing so.
3. Prayers: The statue is washed, followed by puja with the chanting of shlokas, and offerings of flowers and sweets. An aarti is performed, where the idol is circumambulated with a plate containing a lit earthen or metal lamp, kumkum, and flowers. Prayer meetings are held daily in the evenings at Ganapati temples and public installations, with some places also hosting them in the mornings.
4. Special performances: Some public installations of Lord Ganesh may also include performances such as dance, music, and skits.
5. Making and eating modak: Modak is Lord Ganapati’s favourite sweet. During the festival, these delicious dumplings are prepared and offered as prasad. Other sweets like laddoo, barfi, pedha, and sundial are also shared during this time.
6. Visarjan: The immersion of the idol, known as Ganesh Visarjan, occurs on the final day of the festival, which can fall between the seventh and eleventh days. This ritual is celebrated with a vibrant procession where people chant bhajans, shlokas, and songs while carrying the idol. During this time, devotees seek forgiveness for their past mistakes and ask Lord Ganesha to guide them on the righteous path. They express their gratitude for his presence in their homes or communities, for removing obstacles from their lives, and for the blessings he has granted.
Farewell Procession
The farewell procession, known as Ganesh Visarjan, marks the grand conclusion of the festival. During this event, the idols of Lord Ganesha are immersed in a water body, such as a nearby pond, lake, river, or sea. For those without access to a large water body, a symbolic immersion can be done by dipping the idol in a small vessel or water barrel at home.
The idol is carried from its place of installation—whether at home or in public pandals—to the water body in a grand procession. Devotees fill the procession, singing bhajans or songs. Depending on the idol’s size, it may be carried on the shoulders of the family head or a symbolic community leader, transported on a wooden carrier, or in a vehicle.
Throughout the procession, people chant “Ganapati Bappa Morya”, sing bhajans, dance, and distribute prasad and flowers, creating a lively and spiritually uplifting atmosphere.
Why are Ganesha Statues Immersed in Water on the Festival’s Last Day?
Ganesh Visarjan marks the conclusion of the festival and embodies the belief that everything on Earth ultimately merges with one or more elements of nature. It also reflects the birth cycle of Lord Vinayak, who was created from clay and returns to the elements in the same form. Symbolically, the immersion represents Lord Ganesha’s return to his heavenly abode after spending 7 to 10 days with his devotees.
Destinations to Spend Ganesh Chaturthi Holidays 2024
Here are the top five destinations in India to explore during the Ganesh Chaturthi holidays in 2024:
- Mumbai: the capital of Maharashtra, celebrates Vinayaka Chaturthi with immense enthusiasm and energy. Every year, more than 6,000 idols are created for the festival. While Ganesh Chaturthi is observed throughout India, Mumbai is renowned for its grand and elaborate celebrations. The festival was popularized by Shivaji, the great Maratha ruler. Among the numerous Ganesh Pandals in the city, Lalbaugcha Raja and Khetwadi Ganraj are the most iconic.
- Pune: recognized as the cultural capital of Maharashtra, hosts some of the most vibrant Vinayaka Chaturthi celebrations in the country. The festival is a joyous and colourful event, deeply embedded in Pune’s cultural, religious, and social fabric. The top five idols in Pune include Kasba Ganpati, Tulsi Baug, Kesariwada Ganapathi, Guruji Talim, and Jogeshwari Ganapathi.
- Hyderabad: Similar to Pune and Mumbai, Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, is a prominent destination for the grand celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi. Kharitabad is famous for hosting one of the largest Ganesh idols in the country. The Kharitabad Ganesh Utsav Committee installs this colossal idol every year.
- Goa: The Ganesh festival holds a unique place in the hearts of the people of Goa, India’s smallest state. It is a time of joy and celebration, uniting families and friends. Numerous merchant associations throughout the state install Lord Ganesh’s idols, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
- Ganpatipule: This charming coastal town boasts breathtaking sea views from its scenic spots and beautiful beaches. The Swayambhu Ganapathi Temple is renowned for its distinctive idol of Lord Ganapati and serves as the centrepiece of the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in the region.
What is the Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi?
Ganesh Chaturthi holds a special place in people’s hearts as they come together to honour Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The celebration is based on an intriguing legend. As a child, Ganesha was entrusted with guarding his mother while she bathed, with strict instructions not to allow anyone to enter. Even when Lord Shiva tried to pass, Ganesha faithfully blocked his path. In his frustration, Lord Shiva accidentally severed Ganesha’s head. This devastated Goddess Parvati, who insisted that her son be brought back to life.
To restore him, Lord Brahma attached the head of an elephant to Ganesha’s body, giving him his distinctive elephant-headed form. This unique appearance has since become his hallmark. Lord Ganesha is also revered for removing obstacles and bringing success and prosperity.
The observance of Ganesh Chaturthi is a way for people to celebrate Lord Ganesha’s rebirth, show their devotion, and seek his blessings to help them overcome life’s challenges.
How is Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated?
Ganesh Chaturthi is a lively 10-day celebration, marked by the decoration of Ganpati idols, sincere prayers at homes and public temples, the chanting of the Ganesh Chaturthi aarti, and a variety of cultural festivities.
A Glimpse of the 10-Day Celebration
- Day 1: Embracing Lord Ganesha with Devotion and Clay Creations: Ganesh Chaturthi starts with the installation of Lord Ganesha’s idol in homes and temporary pandals. Devotees offer sincere prayers, while markets bustle with a variety of clay idols, each thoughtfully chosen to fit its designated place of worship.
- Day 2: The Centrality of the Festival: The second day, called ‘Chaturthi,’ serves as the highlight of the entire celebration.
- Day 3: An Exclusive Tapestry of Prayers and Aarti for Lord Ganesha: On the third day, devotees engage in special prayers and take part in the ceremonial aarti, expressing their deep devotion to Lord Ganesha.
- Day 4: Revelry with Devotions, Aarti, and Delectable Offerings: On the fourth day, the festivities continue with joyful prayers, aarti ceremonies, and the offering of delicious sweets, all as expressions of devotion to Lord Ganesha.
- Day 5: Immersion in the Shhodashopachara Pooja for Lord Ganesha: On the fourth day, the festivities continue with joyful prayers, aarti ceremonies, and the offering of delicious sweets, all as expressions of devotion to Lord Ganesha.
- Day 6: Homebound Prayers: On the sixth day, known as ‘Sashti,’ the festivities carry on with heartfelt prayers and uplifting aartis, filling devotees’ homes with joy and devotion.
- Day 7: A Sacred Voyage: On the seventh day, known as ‘Saptapadi,’ devotees perform the sacred ritual of seven steps, accompanied by special prayers and fervent supplications to Lord Ganesha.
- Day 8: The Reverent Ashtami: On the eighth day, known as ‘Ashtami,’ devotees offer dedicated prayers, perform aarti rituals, and present delightful confections to Lord Ganesha.
- Day 9: An Affectionate Tribute to Nine Plants: The penultimate day is highlighted by the ‘Navapatrika Pooja,’ a deeply heartfelt ritual that involves the worship of nine sacred plants.
- Day 10: A Majestic Procession and Ganesh Visarjan: The grand finale, known as ‘Vijayadashami,’ signifies the conclusion of the festival. Lord Ganesha’s idol is carried in a grand procession before being immersed in nearby waters, a sacred ritual called Ganesh Visarjan.
Throughout these ten days, communities immerse themselves in festive celebrations, visiting friends and family and taking part in public gatherings. Cultural events come alive with vibrant music and energetic dance performances. Devotees also embrace compassion, extending a helping hand to the less fortunate by donating clothes and food to those in need.
Ganesh Chaturthi Across the Globe: A Multinational Celebration
Ganesh Chaturthi, once a prominent Hindu festival in India, has now gained global recognition. This vibrant celebration is observed in many countries with significant Hindu communities. Let’s explore how Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated across the world.
- Malaysia: In Malaysia, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with nine days of culinary festivity. The festival begins with the ‘Pranprathistha’ ritual, inviting Lord Ganesha to descend to Earth and marking the start of the food celebrations. Throughout these days, a variety of sweet and savoury dishes are prepared and offered to the deity. The festivities conclude with a vibrant procession, where the idol is carried to a water body for immersion.
- Nepal: In Nepal, Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is observed with deep devotion. Devotees welcome Lord Ganesha’s idols into their homes, perform sincere prayers, and share festive meals with family and friends. The celebration concludes with the idol immersion, much like in India. Temples play a vital role, hosting prayer ceremonies and offering modaks, the beloved sweet treat of Lord Ganesha.
- Singapore: In Singapore, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with devotional home worship. Lord Ganesha’s idols are beautifully decorated with vibrant flowers, kumkum, and turmeric. Offerings of sugarcane and corn are made, while mango leaves adorn the front gates, adding a festive charm to the celebrations.
- Mauritius: In Mauritius, Ganesh Chaturthi is observed with deep devotion, reflecting Indian traditions. Homes are cleaned and adorned with vibrant flowers to welcome Lord Ganesha. As a sacred offering, modak—a sweet made from rice flour, jaggery, and coconut—is prepared to honour the deity.
- Canada: Thanks to the Indian community, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in Toronto with vibrant festivities. The city hosts a variety of cultural and religious events, including Aarti ceremonies and Prasad distribution. Ganesha idols are brought from India, and devotees come together to honour the festival with joyous celebrations.
Conclusion
Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 promises to be a joyous and vibrant celebration, uniting communities worldwide in honouring Lord Ganesha. This festival highlights a rich blend of cultural traditions, from the grand processions and elaborate festivities in Mumbai and Pune to the heartfelt rituals and festive feasts in Nepal and Malaysia.
In India, the ten-day festival will feature intricate prayers, cultural performances, and the immersion of beautifully decorated idols. Across the globe, cities like Singapore and Toronto will embrace the spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi through home worship and community gatherings.
As devotees come together to celebrate, they seek Lord Ganesha’s blessings for prosperity, obstacle removal, and stronger community bonds. Whether in India or abroad, the festival continues to be a time of joy, devotion, and unity.
