Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 celebrations begin across India

Millions of Hindu devotees across India and around the world are celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi 2026, a festival marking the birth of Lord Ganesha, the deity of wisdom and remover of obstacles. The festivities began on Monday, September 14, with the installation of Ganesha idols in homes and public pandals. The main Ganesh Sthapana puja window in New Delhi was observed between 11:02 AM and 1:31 PM, a period considered especially auspicious for worship. The festival will conclude with Anant Chaturdashi on September 25, when major immersion processions will take place across the country. In Mumbai, the iconic Lalbaugcha Raja festival is scheduled from September 14 to September 25. Millions of devotees are expected to visit the famous idol, making it one of the largest attractions of the city's Ganeshotsav celebrations. This year, the Lalbaugcha Raja mandal and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation have launched a sustainability project to convert organic waste from prasad into renewable energy for Mumbai hospitals. The festival combines religious rituals with community celebrations.