The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi holds special significance in Hinduism. It is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha. According to religious beliefs, Lord Ganesha was born on the *Chaturthi* (fourth day) of the *Shukla Paksha* (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of *Bhadrapada*; hence, this day is dedicated to Him. Every year on this date, devotees install idols of Ganpati Bappa in their homes, temples, and *pandals* with great reverence and devotion, performing ritualistic worship for ten days.

The festival concludes with *Ganesh Visarjan* (immersion of the idol) on *Anant Chaturdashi*. Let us find out from Acharya Anand Bhardwaj of Ujjain when Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated and what auspicious planetary combinations (*yogas*) are forming on this day.

According to the Vedic *Panchang* (almanac), *Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi* will begin at 7:06 AM on Monday, September 14, 2026. It will conclude at 7:44 AM on Tuesday, September 15. Since religious belief holds that Lord Ganesha was born during the *Madhyahna Kaal* (midday period) of *Chaturthi Tithi*, the festival will be celebrated on September 14 this year.

**Celebration During Auspicious Yogas**
According to astrologers, this year's Ganesh Chaturthi is considered highly auspicious because *Ravi Yoga* is being formed on the day. Additionally, several special planetary combinations are taking shape during the ten-day period between Ganesh Chaturthi and *Anant Chaturdashi*. Currently, Jupiter is exalted in the Cancer zodiac sign, while Saturn is in a retrograde state in Pisces.

**Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi**
Lord Ganesha is revered as the *Pratham Pujya* (the deity worshipped first). The commencement of any auspicious task is considered incomplete without the worship of Ganpati. According to mythological beliefs, worshipping Ganpati on Ganesh Chaturthi brings happiness and peace to the household, resolves financial crises, and ensures success in one's endeavors.

**How ​​to Install Bappa's Idol?**
1. Before bringing Lord Ganesha home, thoroughly clean the place of worship and decorate it with flowers, *rangoli*, and other decorative items. 2. Install the idol of Lord Ganesha on an altar during an auspicious time.
3. Spread a red or yellow cloth on the altar. Before commencing the worship, take water, flowers, and rice in your hands and make a solemn vow (Sankalp) to observe the fast or perform the ritual.

4. First, invoke Lord Ganesha while chanting the mantra ‘Om Gam Ganapataye Namah’.
5. Bathe the idol of Lord Ganesha with *Panchamrit*. After the bath, adorn the deity with new clothes and ornaments.
6. Offer Lord Ganesha his favorite *bhog* (sacred food offering)—*Modaks* and *Laddus*. Additionally, offer *Durva* grass, red flowers, and *Sindoor* (vermilion). Finally, perform the *Aarti* of Lord Ganesha with your entire family.

PC Social Media