Make sure to perform the *Uttara Puja* before bidding farewell to Bappa! Find out what must be included in the *Visarjan* bundle..

Ganesh Visarjan 2026: Muhurat and Choghadiya – Following the Ganeshotsav festivities, devotees are preparing to bid farewell to Bappa on the day of Anant Chaturdashi. This year, Anant Chaturdashi—falling on the fourteenth day (Chaturdashi) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Bhadrapada month—occurs on Friday, September 25. It is customary to perform a formal ritualistic worship (*puja*), offer *Bhog* (sacred food offerings), and conduct *Aarti* for Lord Ganesh before the immersion (*Visarjan*).

It is believed that immersing the idol with devotion and adherence to the correct rituals fosters a positive atmosphere and ensures happiness and prosperity within the household. The ten-day-long Ganeshotsav concludes with the immersion of the idol on Anant Chaturdashi. Observing auspicious timings (*Muhurat*) and scriptural guidelines while bidding farewell to Bappa on this day is considered crucial for maintaining the family's well-being and prosperity.

**Perform the 'Uttar Puja' Ritual**
Before taking the idol for immersion, family members gather near the idol for the farewell *puja*. During this ceremony, offerings such as flowers, *Durva* grass, fruits, and *Naivedya* (sacred food) are made to the deity. *Aarti* is performed, and blessings are sought from Lord Ganesh. Following this, the farewell *puja* can be conducted according to family traditions. One may also perform the 'Uttar Puja'—a traditional farewell ritual—before moving the idol from the place of worship. The essential requirement is to complete all traditional farewell rituals at home before setting out for the immersion site.

**Prepare a Separate Plate**
A separate plate (*thali*) can be prepared for the final offering to Bappa. Instead of carrying various puja items separately, they can be arranged together on this plate. The idol is adorned with flowers and simple decorations for the final farewell. Devotees then carry Bappa to the designated immersion site, singing devotional songs and chanting praises (*Jai-kara*) along the way. Additionally, a small bundle (*potli*) wrapped in red or yellow cloth is prepared to be offered to Bappa during the farewell.

**What to Include in the Bundle (*Potli*)?**

 Modak or Laddu: A sacred offering beloved by the deity
Durva: Green grass offered to Lord Ganesha
Turmeric root: For auspiciousness and prosperity
Betel nut (Supari): For wholeness and the completion of the ritual
Akshat (Unbroken rice grains): A symbol of completeness and integrity
Coins or Dakshina: As a token of devotion

Bid farewell to Lord Ganesha with devotion.
During the Ganesh Visarjan on Anant Chaturdashi, devotees bid farewell to Lord Ganesha amidst the sounds of drums, devotional hymns, and chants of ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya,’ with the faith that He will return the following year. For home-based celebrations, the immersion can be performed in a suitable vessel, an artificial pond, or a designated tank. People should take the idols to designated immersion sites as per local arrangements.

Ganesh Visarjan Auspicious Timings (Muhurat) 2026
Morning auspicious time: 06:12 AM to 10:42 AM
Abhijit Muhurat: 11:48 AM to 12:36 PM
Char and Labh Muhurat: 12:15 PM to 03:18 PM
Best time for Ganesh Visarjan: Between 06:12 AM and 12:36 PM

Keep these points in mind during Ganesh Visarjan:
Perform rituals properly: Before immersion, perform the worship (Puja), Aarti, and offer *Naivedya* (sacred food offering) to Lord Ganesha.

Perform *Uttar Puja*: According to tradition, the *Uttar Puja* (concluding ritual) is performed before the immersion.
Bid farewell with a reverent heart: Pray to Ganpati Bappa for the happiness, peace, and prosperity of your family.
Carry the idol with respect: Ensure the Ganesha idol is not subjected to jerks or disrespect during the immersion procession.

Immerse at the designated location: Use the artificial ponds created by the administration or the designated immersion sites. Be mindful of the environment: Opt for eco-friendly alternatives to reduce pollution caused by idols made of Plaster of Paris and harmful paints.

Segregate *Nirmalya*: Do not throw flowers, leaves, or worship materials into the water; instead, place them in designated areas.

Prioritize safety: Do not let children go near the water unaccompanied during immersion in rivers, ponds, or the sea.

Maintain reverence and discipline: Observe public order and local regulations alongside religious sentiments during the immersion process.


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