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🕉️ Ganesha

Shukla Chaturthi of Bhadrapada (August-September) — 10-day festival to Anant Chaturdashi

Ganesh Chaturthi (Vinayaka Chaturthi Festival)

Ganesh Chaturthi is the 10-day festival marking Ganesha's birth. Beginning on Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi with the Sthapana (installation) of Ganesha idols in homes and public pandals, and concluding on Anant Chaturdashi (10th day) with grand Visarjan (immersion) processions. Especially spectacular in Maharashtra (Mumbai, Pune) where it became a public movement under Lokmanya Tilak in 1893. Home installations range from 1.5 to 10 days depending on family tradition.

🔔 Puja Vidhi

Day 1 (Chaturthi): Sthapana at Madhyahna muhurat; Pranapratishtha invokes divine presence
Daily: morning + evening aarti, offer 21 modaks and durva
Read Ganesh Atharvashirsha daily
On Visarjan day: procession with chanting "Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudchya Varshi Lavkar Ya"
Immerse in water body or eco-friendly pot

📜 Rules

Modaks are the definitive prasad — steamed modak (ukdiche modak) is the classical form
Red or yellow cloth for chowki; door decorated with mango leaves
Do NOT view moon during first-day evening (Mithya Kalanka Dosha)

Read the full vrat katha

📖 Open the katha in the Devotional Library

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why should moon not be seen on Ganesh Chaturthi? +

The Syamantaka Mani story — Krishna was falsely accused of theft after viewing the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi. To avoid similar false accusations, moon-viewing is avoided on this evening.

How long does home Ganesh stay? +

Family tradition varies: 1.5 days, 3, 5, 7, or 10 days. All conclude with Visarjan on their chosen final day.