Introduction
Ganesh Chaturthi, also called Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganeshotsav, is one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals across India. The occasion marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles (Vighnaharta), and the symbol of wisdom and prosperity.
In 2025, the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 comes on 27th August, a Wednesday. The festival brings together families, communities, and entire cities in joyous devotion for 10 days, concluding with Ganesh Visarjan on Anant Chaturdashi (6 September 2025).
Key Summary:
- Festival Date: Wednesday, 27 August 2025 (Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi)
- Madhyahna Puja Muhurat (New Delhi): 11:05 AM – 01:40 PM IST (duration: 2 hrs 34 mins)
- Chaturthi Tithi: Begins 1:54 PM, 26 Aug 2025; Ends 3:44 PM, 27 Aug 2025 (IST)
- Moon-sighting to avoid: 26 Aug 1:54 PM – 8:29 PM & 27 Aug 9:28 AM – 8:57 PM
- Visarjan (Anant Chaturdashi): Saturday, 6 September 2025
History and Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi
According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Ganesha was created by Goddess Parvati using sandalwood paste, and later blessed by Lord Shiva as the supreme deity who must be worshipped first before any puja.
Spiritually, Ganesh Chaturthi signifies:
- New beginnings: Seeking blessings for wisdom and success.
- People pray to Lord Ganesha at the start of every major occasion, from weddings to rituals, as he symbolizes the removal of difficulties.
- Unity & devotion: Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak transformed Ganesh Chaturthi into a public festival in the late 19th century to bring Indians together during the freedom struggle.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 Puja Timings & Muhurat
Chaturthi Tithi (IST)
- Begins: Tuesday, 26 August 2025 – 1:54 PM
- Ends: Wednesday, 27 August 2025 – 3:44 PM
Madhyahna Puja Muhurat (city-wise)
- New Delhi: 11:05 AM – 01:40 PM
- Mumbai: 11:24 AM – 01:55 PM
- Pune: 11:21 AM – 01:51 PM
- Bengaluru: 11:07 AM – 01:36 PM
- Chennai: 10:56 AM – 01:25 PM
- Hyderabad: 11:02 AM – 01:33 PM
- Ahmedabad: 11:25 AM – 01:57 PM
- Kolkata: 10:22 AM – 12:54 PM
- Noida: 11:05 AM – 01:39 PM
According to tradition, the best time for Ganesh Sthapana and the chief puja is during the midday hours.
Moon-sighting advisory
It is believed that looking at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi can bring false accusations (mithya dosha).
- Avoid moon sighting on:
- 26 Aug 2025: 1:54 PM – 8:29 PM
- 27 Aug 2025: 9:28 AM – 8:57 PM
Puja Vidhi (Step-by-step Guide for 2025)
- Ganesh Sthapana (Idol Installation):
- Clean the puja area, place the idol facing east or west.
- Light a diya, incense, and invoke Lord Ganesha with Pranapratishtha mantra.
- Shodashopachara Puja (16 steps):
- Sankalpa (intention)
- Avahan (invocation)
- Asana (offering seat)
- Padya (washing feet)
- Arghya (offering water)
- Achamana (sipping water)
- Snana/Abhishek (holy bath with panchamrit)
- Vastra (cloth)
- Yajnopavit (sacred thread)
- Gandha (sandal paste) & Akshata (rice)
- Pushpa (flowers, especially 21 durva grass)
- Dhoop & Deep (incense & lamp)
- Naivedya (Modak, ladoo, fruits)
- Tambul (betel leaves & nut)
- Aarti
- Daily Puja during 10 days:
Morning & evening aarti with offerings of modak and durva. - Visarjan (Immersion):
On 6 September 2025, devotees immerse idols in rivers or artificial tanks. Many families now opt for home visarjan by dissolving clay idols in a bucket and using the water for plants.
How Ganesh Chaturthi is Celebrated Across India
- Maharashtra: The heart of Ganeshotsav, with massive public pandals like Lalbaugcha Raja and Siddhivinayak Temple attracting lakhs of devotees.
- Karnataka, Andhra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala: Household traditions, cultural performances, bhajans, and folk celebrations.
- Gujarat: Processions, community feasts, and devotional songs.
- Worldwide: Indian communities in the US, UK, Canada, and UAE hold community Ganesh pujas with eco-friendly idols.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: New Themes & Trends
- Eco-friendly idols: Clay, paper-mâché, and plantable seed idols are increasingly popular.
- Green visarjan: Cities like Mumbai and Pune promote artificial ponds to reduce water pollution.
- Digital darshan: Through digital darshan, devotees across the globe can witness live-streamed aartis from major Ganesh pandals.
- Creative decorations: Pandal themes reflect cricket, technology, social awareness, and global events.
Traditional Foods & Prasad
No Ganesh Chaturthi is complete without modak, believed to be Lord Ganesha’s favorite sweet. Popular variations include:
- Ukadiche Modak (steamed, Maharashtrian style)
- Fried Modak
- Chocolate or Dry Fruit Modak
- Puran Poli, Besan Ladoo, Sundal (South India)
Eco-Friendly Ganesh Visarjan
With rising concerns about water pollution, many devotees prefer:
- Clay idols instead of plaster of Paris (POP).
- Home visarjan in tubs, later watering plants with the dissolved clay.
- Artificial ponds set up by local authorities.
- Zero plastic decorations with flowers, banana leaves, and natural colors.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 Wishes & Quotes
- “Ganpati Bappa Morya! May Vighnaharta remove all obstacles and bless your home with happiness. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi 2025!”
- “May Lord Ganesha bring wisdom, prosperity, and good health into your life. Happy Ganeshotsav 2025!”
- “Modak-sweet blessings and endless joy to you and your family this Ganesh Chaturthi.”
Conclusion
Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 is not just a festival but a celebration of devotion, unity, and culture. With eco-friendly practices and heartfelt prayers, this year’s Ganeshotsav is an opportunity to honor traditions while embracing sustainability. As we welcome Lord Ganesha on 27 August 2025, let us spread joy, wisdom, and harmony.
Ganpati Bappa Morya!
