Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 kab hai: September 14 or 15? Know the correct date and time, when to buy Ganpati and which trunk direction is considered auspicious for Bappa murti

Ganesh Chaturthi kaun si tarikh ki hai: Ganesh Chaturthi is almost here, and one question is confusing many devotees this year: Is Ganesh Chaturthi on September 14 or September 15, 2026? The answer is September 14. Lord Ganesha's festival will be celebrated on Monday, September 14, even though the Chaturthi tithi continues into the morning of September 15. According to Panchang, the Chaturthi tithi begins at 7:06 am on September 14 and ends at 7:44 am on September 15. Since the festival is observed on the date when the relevant tithi prevails during the daytime, Ganesh Chaturthi and Ganpati Sthapana will take place on September 14.

Also Read: Ganesh Chaturthi Date 2026 Shubh Muhurat: When you should bring and do Ganpati Sthapana this year

The main Ganesh Puja and Sthapana muhurat is 11:02 am to 1:31 pm on September 14. Timings can differ slightly from one city to another, so families following a local Panchang should check the timings for their location.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: September 14 or 15?

The Ganesh Chaturthi falls on September 14, Monday. The reason for the confusion is that the Chaturthi tithi does not end on the same day. It continues until 7:44 am on September 15. This is common with Hindu festivals, where the calendar date is determined by the relevant tithi and its position at sunrise or during the prescribed period of worship, rather than simply by when the tithi ends. So, if you are planning Ganpati Sthapana at home this year, September 14 is the date to remember.

When should you buy Ganpati idol?

There is no single universally applicable rule that says every family must purchase the Ganpati idol at one particular hour. Many families buy the idol a day or two before Ganesh Chaturthi so that the mandap, decorations and puja arrangements can be completed in advance. Others bring Bappa home on the morning of Ganesh Chaturthi itself.

If you are buying the idol before September 14, keep it at a clean and respectful place until the time of installation. The important part is to complete the Sthapana and puja according to your family tradition and the local Panchang. For those following the 2026 Delhi timings, the main Sthapana period is 11:02 am to 1:31 pm on September 14.

Ganpati idol: Which direction should the trunk face?

This is one of the most common questions when families go shopping for a Ganpati idol. According to widely followed Vastu and religious traditions, a left-curving trunk is generally preferred for a Ganpati idol kept at home. This form is commonly referred to as Vamavarti or Vamukhi Ganpati and is traditionally associated with household worship.

One point often causes confusion. The direction is described from Lord Ganesha's perspective, not the person looking at the idol. Therefore, a trunk curving towards Ganesha's left can appear on the viewer's right when standing directly in front of the idol.

A right-curving trunk is also a revered form of Ganesha and is associated with Siddhivinayak traditions. It is often said to involve more specific worship practices. These are matters of religious tradition, however, and practices vary between families, temples and regions.

What should you check before buying a Ganpati idol?

The first thing is simple: look at the idol carefully. Traditional guidance commonly recommends choosing a complete, undamaged idol rather than one with a broken hand, trunk, ear or other part. The idol should have a calm and pleasant appearance and should be suitable for the space where it will be installed.

Many traditional guides also recommend a seated Ganesha for home worship. Some specify a four-armed form, with symbolic attributes such as the pasha, ankusha, modak and abhaya mudra. The mouse, regarded as Ganesha's vehicle, is also commonly shown near the idol.

However, devotees do not need to treat every decorative detail as a compulsory rule. Family traditions differ, and the basic priority should be a respectful, intact idol that can be safely installed and immersed.

Clay Ganpati is a better choice for visarjan

If you are still deciding which idol to buy, consider a natural clay or other genuinely biodegradable idol. This is not only in keeping with the traditional association of Ganesha idols with clay, but also makes the immersion process more environmentally responsible. Plaster of Paris idols can be difficult to dissolve and may contribute to pollution in water bodies. Before buying an idol advertised as "eco-friendly", check what material has actually been used. A label alone does not guarantee that the idol will dissolve naturally.

Which direction should Ganpati face at home?

Traditional Vastu guidance commonly recommends placing Ganesha so that the idol's face is towards the east or north. The northeast is also frequently preferred as a location for the puja space. Again, this is based on religious and Vastu traditions, not a scientific requirement. If your family follows a particular regional or ancestral method of Ganpati Sthapana, that tradition can take precedence. The idol should also be placed on a clean, stable platform rather than directly on the floor.

What else should you remember while bringing Bappa home?

The preparations need not be complicated. Clean the area where the idol will be installed and keep the puja essentials ready before the Sthapana begins. Devotees commonly keep items such as flowers, durva, rice, vermilion, fruits and sweets including modak for the puja. Fresh flowers and clean puja materials are generally preferred.

It is also worth planning the visarjan before buying the idol. A smaller, manageable clay idol can make the immersion process easier, particularly for families conducting the ceremony at home.

Ganesh Visarjan 2026 date

For those observing the full 10-day Ganeshotsav, Anant Chaturdashi falls on September 25, 2026, which is the main visarjan day. However, many families perform visarjan after one-and-a-half, three, five or seven days, depending on their family tradition. So the key dates to remember are simple: Ganesh Chaturthi and Sthapana on September 14, and Anant Chaturdashi on September 25.

For the idol itself, choose one that fits your family's tradition, home and immersion plans. The exact style, colour and trunk direction are matters of religious belief and custom, and there can be differences across regions and families.