After ten days of fervent prayers and celebrations, devotees across India will bid farewell to Lord Ganesha during Ganpati Visarjan. This significant ritual traditionally concludes the Ganeshotsav festival, observed on Anant Chaturdashi.
Anant Chaturdashi 2026 Date and Tithi
According to the Panchang, the Chaturdashi Tithi will commence at approximately 11:18 PM on September 24, 2026, and conclude at around 11:06 PM on September 25, 2026. Based on the Udaya Tithi, Anant Chaturdashi will be observed on Friday, September 25, 2026, which is the primary day for Ganpati Visarjan.
Auspicious Ganpati Visarjan Timings (Shubh Muhurat)
The auspicious immersion timings, known as Shubh Muhurat, can vary slightly by region. Devotees are advised to consult their local Panchang for precise timings. For those following the Mumbai Panchang, favorable Choghadiya timings on September 25, 2026, include:
- Morning: 6:28 AM to 10:59 AM
- Afternoon: 12:30 PM to 2:01 PM
- Evening: 5:02 PM to 6:32 PM
- Night: 9:31 PM to 11:01 PM
Final Puja and Aarti Before Visarjan
Before the immersion procession, a final puja and aarti are performed. The worship area is cleaned, and the idol is adorned with fresh clothes or a cloth. Offerings include flowers, durva grass, sandalwood paste, akshat (rice grains), and various fruits. Traditional sweets like modak and laddoo may also be prepared. After lighting a lamp and incense, the final aarti is performed, and devotees seek forgiveness from Lord Ganesha for any unintentional errors during the festival.
Visarjan Rituals and Environmental Guidelines
The idol should be carried with utmost reverence to the designated immersion site, accompanied by chants and bhajans. A final aarti and prayers are offered before immersion, with devotees wishing for Lord Ganesha's return the following year.
For an environmentally conscious celebration, it is crucial to use artificial ponds or designated immersion sites provided by local authorities. Flowers, plastic, garlands, and other puja materials should be responsibly disposed of and not discarded into natural water bodies.
Anant Vrat on Anant Chaturdashi
Anant Chaturdashi also holds significance for Lord Vishnu's devotees, who observe the Anant Vrat. This fast involves worshipping Lord Vishnu in his Anant (eternal) form with flowers, fruits, akshat, incense, and naivedya (offerings). The Anant Sutra, a sacred thread with 14 knots symbolizing the 14 lokas (worlds), is traditionally worn according to family customs.