Ganesh Chaturthi
The birthday of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and god of new beginnings.
Ganesh Chaturthi falls on the fourth day of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, usually in late August or September. Public celebrations often run up to ten days, ending on Anant Chaturdashi.
When Is Ganesh Chaturthi?
Ganesh Chaturthi falls on the fourth day of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, usually in late August or September. Public celebrations often run up to ten days, ending on Anant Chaturdashi.
Because the Gregorian date changes from year to year, check a calendar published by the tradition or your local community for this year's date.
Why It Matters
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Ganesha, elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati, revered as the remover of obstacles and god of wisdom. Traditionally, Ganesha is invoked at the start of any major undertaking.
How It Is Observed
Clay Ganesha idols installed in homes and public pandals for 1-10 days, daily puja with modak sweets, devotional singing. On the final day the idol is carried in procession and immersed in water (visarjan) with cries of 'Ganpati Bappa Morya!'
Sacred Text
“You are Brahma, you are Vishnu, you are Rudra, you are Indra, you are Agni, you are Vayu, you are Surya, you are Chandra. You are Brahman, you are the earth, the atmosphere, and the heavens.”
, Ganapati Atharvashirsa ↗