Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: The Birth of Lord Ganesha

Installation of the Idol (Pranapratishtha)

Clay idols of Ganesha — ranging from inches to several storeys tall — are installed in homes and community pandals (temporary shrines). A priest performs Pranapratishtha, inviting Ganesha's presence into the idol with mantras. Daily puja, aarti, and prasad distribution follow for the duration of the festival.

Celebrations in Maharashtra

The largest celebrations are in Pune and Mumbai, where community (sarvajanik) Ganesh pandals attract millions of visitors. The Lalbaugcha Raja pandal in Mumbai is the most famous, with queues stretching for kilometres. Processions, cultural programmes, music, and feasting fill the ten days.

Modak — Lord Ganesha's Favourite

Modak — a sweet steamed dumpling of coconut and jaggery enclosed in rice flour — is Ganesha's favourite offering. Hundreds of millions of modak are made and distributed as prasad during Ganesh Chaturthi. Fried modak (talniche modak) is also popular, alongside puranpoli, coconut laddoo, and other sweets.

Visarjan — The Farewell Immersion

On the 10th day (Anant Chaturdashi), idols are carried in grand processions to rivers, lakes, or the sea for immersion — returning Ganesha to his cosmic home. The farewell cry of 'Ganapati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya' (Lord Ganesha, come back soon next year) echoes through streets.

What is the significance of Visarjan on Anant Chaturdashi?

Visarjan (immersion) is not just an end — it is a philosophical statement. The clay idol of Ganesha, lovingly crafted and worshipped for 10 days, is returned to the five elements from which it came: earth, water, fire, air, and space. This reflects the Hindu concept of impermanence — that all forms arise from the divine and return to it. The immersion represents Ganesha's departure back to his abode on Mount Kailash, having bestowed his blessings on the household or community. Eco-friendly Visarjan — using natural clay idols that dissolve without polluting water — has become an important environmental movement, particularly in Mumbai.

Why is Ganesha worshipped first before all other Hindu deities?

Lord Ganesha (Ganapati) holds the title of Prathamesh — Lord of the First — and is worshipped at the beginning of all Hindu ceremonies, prayers, and important undertakings. The tradition comes from a story in the Shiva Purana: Ganesha defeated his brother Kartikeya in a contest to circumambulate the universe, by walking around his parents Shiva and Parvati — declaring that one's parents are the entire universe. As the remover of obstacles (Vighnaharta) and the deity of wisdom and new beginnings, Ganesha is invoked first to ensure that no obstacles arise and that all ventures begin auspiciously.