Vinayakar Chaturthi 2026: Pooja Timings, Chaturthi Tithi, Visarjan Date and Moon-Sighting Rules

Vinayakar Chaturthi 2026 will be celebrated on Monday, September 14, with devotees across India preparing to welcome Lord Ganesha into their homes and communities. The festival is marked by special prayers, offerings and traditional rituals, with the main Ganesha Puja traditionally performed during the Madhyahna period.

Here are the key dates and timings for Vinayaka Chaturthi 2026.

Vinayakar Chaturthi 2026 Date

Vinayakar Chaturthi falls on Monday, September 14, 2026. The festival is observed on the Chaturthi Tithi of the Shukla Paksha according to the Hindu lunar calendar.

For devotees performing Ganesha Puja at home, the Madhyahna period is considered an auspicious time for worship.

Vinayakar Chaturthi 2026 Puja Timing

According to the timings for Chennai, the Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat will be from 10:51 AM to 1:18 PM on September 14.

The auspicious puja period will last approximately 2 hours and 28 minutes.

Key Vinayakar Chaturthi Timings

• - Vinayaka Chaturthi: Monday, September 14, 2026

• - Chaturthi Tithi Begins: 7:06 AM on September 14

• - Ganesha Puja Muhurat: 10:51 AM to 1:18 PM

• - Puja Duration: 2 hours 28 minutes

• - Chaturthi Tithi Ends: 7:44 AM on September 15

• - Ganesh Visarjan: Friday, September 25, 2026

Chaturthi Tithi on September 14

The Chaturthi Tithi begins at 7:06 AM on September 14, 2026, and ends at 7:44 AM on September 15.

Vinayaka Chaturthi is celebrated on September 14 based on the lunar calendar and the presence of Chaturthi Tithi during the prescribed period.

Devotees planning to perform the puja at home should check the Panchang for their respective city, as the exact auspicious timings may vary depending on the location.

When is Ganesh Visarjan 2026?

The 10-day Vinayaka Chaturthi celebrations will culminate in Ganesh Visarjan on Friday, September 25, 2026.

On Visarjan day, devotees traditionally take the Ganesha idol in a procession before immersing it in a water body, marking the ceremonial farewell to Lord Ganesha.

Moon-Sighting Restrictions

One of the traditional practices associated with Vinayaka Chaturthi is avoiding Moon-sighting during the prescribed period on Chaturthi. According to Hindu belief, seeing the Moon during this period is associated with Mithya Dosha.

The exact Moon-sighting restriction period can vary depending on the location. Devotees are therefore advised to refer to their local Panchang for the precise timings.