As Ganesh Chaturthi approaches, the enthusiasm and devotion of devotees reach a fever pitch. In 2025, this festival will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 27th. Decorations, the sale of clay Ganesh idols, and preparations in homes have already begun. Everyone wants to welcome Bappa with complete rituals and reverence.
When Will Lord Ganesha Arrive?
Lord Ganesha's birthday is celebrated on the Chaturthi Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. This time, this date falls on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. According to the Panchang, the Madhyahna Muhurat for Ganesh Chaturthi Puja will be from 11:05 AM to 1:40 PM. Establishing and worshiping Bappa during this time is considered auspicious.
Moon Sighting is Prohibited
Like every year, it is advised to avoid sighting the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi this time as well. It is believed that seeing the moon on this day can lead to false accusations. Therefore, on August 27th, moon sighting will be prohibited from 10:13 AM to 9:54 PM.
Ganesh Visarjan Date and Options
Ganesh Chaturthi is a ten-day festival that lasts until Anant Chaturdashi. In 2025, Anant Chaturdashi falls on Saturday, September 6th. For Visarjan, devotees can bid farewell to Bappa after one and a half, three, five, seven, or ten days, according to their faith and tradition.
Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Vidhi (Procedure)
- Wake up early in the morning, take a bath, and wear clean clothes.
- Clean the worship place and spread a red or yellow cloth on the platform.
- First, establish the Kalash (sacred pot), then install the idol of Lord Ganesha.
- After installing the idol, take a Sankalp (vow), then perform Avahan (invocation) and Pran Pratishtha (infusion of life).
- Offer flowers, Durva grass, vermillion, Modak, Laddus, fruits, incense, and lamps to Lord Ganesha.
- Chant Ganpati Atharvashirsha, the 108 names, and recite Stotras.
- Perform Aarti in the morning and evening, and distribute Prasad.
- Those observing the fast should avoid sighting the moon on this day.
The Puranic Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi
Lord Ganesha is considered the first to be worshipped and the remover of obstacles. According to the Puranas, Goddess Parvati created Lord Ganesha from the Ubtan (body scrub) of her body and appointed him as the doorkeeper. When Lord Shiva tried to enter without permission, Ganesha stopped him, which angered Shiva and he beheaded him. Later, at the request of Goddess Parvati, Shiva revived Ganesha by attaching an elephant's head and declared him the foremost among all the deities.
Ganesh Utsav Linked to History
Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a religious festival, but also a part of a historical and cultural movement. The Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj promoted this festival as a symbol of public awareness and unity. Later, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak started the tradition of celebrating this festival publicly to unite Indians against the British.
Points to Keep in Mind During Puja
- Install the idol in a high and clean place.
- Offer Aarti and Bhog (food offering) every morning and evening.
- Durva grass, red flowers, vermillion, and Modak are dear to Lord Ganesha.
- Use an eco-friendly idol for Visarjan.
- Use artificial immersion tanks or places designated by the administration.
- Do not throw idol remains or worship materials in public places.
Lord Ganesha's Favorite Bhog and Materials
Lord Ganesha's favorite offerings are Modak and Laddus. It is believed that Lord Ganesha respects the devotee's sentiments along with the taste of Modak. Apart from this, Durva (grass with three blades), vermillion, fragrance, red flowers, betel leaf, betel nut, and coconut are also considered mandatory in the puja.
Where is the Grand Celebration Held?
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated all over India, but its grandeur is most visible in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. Pandals like Mumbai's Lalbaugcha Raja, Pune's Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati, and Hyderabad's Khairatabad Ganesh are famous throughout the country.
Enthusiasm is Also Seen in Children and Youth
Prayers to Bappa in schools, decorations in social groups, and preparations for cultural programs are in full swing. The youth are preparing pandals with new themes to welcome Bappa. At the same time, this festival remains an opportunity for young children to learn, connect, and enjoy.
A Look at the Dates of Ganesh Chaturthi 2025
- Puja Date: August 27, 2025, Wednesday
- Madhyahna Puja Muhurat: 11:05 AM to 1:40 PM
- Visarjan Date: September 6, 2025, Saturday (Anant Chaturdashi)
- Moon Sighting Prohibited: 10:13 AM to 9:54 PM (August 27)
- Visarjan Options: One and a half, three, five, seven, or ten days
The atmosphere of preparations for Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 is all over the country, and this year too, this festival of worshiping Bappa is going to be a unique confluence of social harmony, cultural celebration, and religious faith.
