Ganesh Puja: When Is It and How to Celebrate This Divine Festival

Ganesh Puja, also known as Ganesh Chaturthi, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in Hinduism. It honors Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, the god of wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings. This festive occasion is observed with much devotion, enthusiasm, and grandeur across India and among the Indian diaspora worldwide.

In this blog, we will explore the timing of Ganesh Puja, its cultural importance, and how you can celebrate this joyous occasion in a meaningful way.

When is Ganesh Puja (Ganesh Chaturthi)?

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated every year on the 4th day of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, which usually falls between August and September. The exact date varies each year, as it follows the lunar calendar.

To get the most accurate date for the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi, it’s important to consult a Hindu Panchang (calendar), which marks the festival’s exact timing based on the moon’s position.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 Dates:

Ganesh Chaturthi Begins: August 29, 2025 (Friday)
Ganesh Chaturthi Ends: September 8, 2025 (Monday)

This 10-day festival typically starts with the installation of Ganesha idols in homes and public places, and culminates on the 10th day with Ganesh Visarjan (immersion of the idol in water). The festival concludes with heartfelt prayers and a farewell procession, where devotees bid adieu to Lord Ganesha, requesting his return the following year.

The Significance of Ganesh Puja

Ganesh Puja holds immense spiritual and cultural significance in Hinduism. It celebrates Lord Ganesha’s birth and honors his role as the one who removes obstacles and brings good fortune. Whether it’s for a new business venture, starting a new project, or seeking protection from troubles, devotees turn to Lord Ganesha for blessings.

Here’s why Ganesh Puja is so revered:

Remover of Obstacles: Lord Ganesha is known to clear any physical or spiritual barriers in one’s life, making this puja a popular choice for individuals beginning new ventures or tasks.
Symbol of Prosperity: Ganesha is associated with wealth, and worshipping him is believed to attract material and spiritual abundance.
Goddess Lakshmi’s Blessings: Ganesha’s blessings are said to invite the grace of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, during the festival.

How to Celebrate Ganesh Puja at Home

Celebrating Ganesh Puja at home involves following a series of rituals that create a spiritually charged atmosphere, inviting Lord Ganesha’s divine presence. Here’s a simple guide on how to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi at home:

1. Preparing for Ganesh Chaturthi

Clean the Space: Purify your home by cleaning the area where the idol of Lord Ganesha will be placed. According to tradition, cleanliness is believed to invite positivity.
Set Up the Altar: Place a clean cloth on a table or platform. Set up an idol or picture of Lord Ganesha at the center, and decorate it with fresh flowers, garlands, and lights.
Prepare Puja Essentials: Gather the necessary items, including incense sticks, a lamp (diya), coconut, sweets (such as Modaks), fruits, vermilion (kumkum), sandalwood paste (chandan), and water.

2. Invocation of Lord Ganesha

Start the puja by lighting a diya (oil lamp) and incense sticks to purify the environment. Ring a bell or conch to announce the beginning of the puja. After that, chant the following mantra to invoke Lord Ganesha’s presence:

“Om Gan Ganapataye Namah”

This mantra is a prayer that calls upon Lord Ganesha to bless the devotee with wisdom, success, and the removal of obstacles.

3. Offering Prayers and Mantras

Once the idol is installed and the space is purified, offer flowers, fruits, and sweets like Modaks, which are Lord Ganesha’s favorite treat. While offering these, chant specific mantras and prayers. Some common Ganesh mantras include:

Ganesh Gayatri Mantra: “Om Ekadantaya Vidmahe, Vakratundaya Dhimahi, Tanno Danti Prachodayat”
Shree Ganesh Ashtakshara Mantra: “Om Gan Ganapataye Namah”

Recite the prayers with devotion and focus, visualizing Lord Ganesha’s presence.

4. Aarti and Offering of Prasadam

After reciting mantras, perform the Aarti—a ritual where you move a lit lamp in a circular motion around the idol of Lord Ganesha while singing a devotional song. This symbolizes the welcoming of the deity and the spreading of divine light. Some popular Ganesh Aartis include the “Jai Ganesh Deva” or “Ganapati Bappa Morya.”

Offer the prasadam (holy offering) of sweets, fruits, and any other food offerings to Lord Ganesha. You can then distribute the prasadam among your family and friends.

5. Daily Rituals During the 10 Days

For the next 10 days, continue to perform the same puja rituals: offering prayers, chanting mantras, and lighting the diya. Each day, offer fresh flowers and keep the space clean. You can also include singing bhajans (devotional songs) to elevate the spiritual atmosphere.

6. Immersion of Ganesha (Ganesh Visarjan)

On the 10th day of Ganesh Chaturthi, perform the final rituals known as Ganesh Visarjan. This involves immersing the Ganesha idol in a nearby water body, such as a river, lake, or ocean. During this process, chant “Ganapati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Laukariya” (Goodbye Lord Ganesha, come again next year).

The immersion signifies the return of Lord Ganesha to his celestial abode, and devotees believe he will return next year to shower blessings once again.

Tips for a Joyous and Peaceful Ganesh Chaturthi Celebration

Eco-Friendly Ganesh Idols: Opt for eco-friendly Ganesha idols made from natural materials like clay, which dissolve in water without harming the environment.
Community Celebrations: If you live in an area with a large Hindu community, participate in the collective celebrations, which often include processions, music, dance, and public poojas.
Reflect and Meditate: Use this festival as a time for introspection and meditation. Offer your thoughts and prayers to Lord Ganesha, asking for guidance in all aspects of life.

Conclusion

Ganesh Chaturthi is a time of joy, devotion, and renewal. Whether you are celebrating it with family at home or attending a grand community event, the underlying theme remains the same: to invoke the blessings of Lord Ganesha for wisdom, success, and the removal of obstacles.

As you prepare for this sacred festival, remember that it’s not just about rituals but also about connecting with your inner self and fostering harmony in your life. With sincerity, love, and devotion, Ganesh Puja can bring divine peace and prosperity to your home.

Ganapati Bappa Morya! 🌸