Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 in Chennai falls on Monday, September 14, 2026. Madhyahna (midday) moment is 12:04 PM GMT+5:30.
The birthday of Ganesha, remover of obstacles and lord of beginnings, born of Parvati. His murti is ceremonially installed and worshipped with the madhyahna puja (Ganesha is held to have been born at midday — the timing shown here), offered 21 durva grass blades and his beloved modaks.
A ten-day public spectacle, grandest in Maharashtra — a tradition Lokmanya Tilak turned into a mass festival during the freedom movement. Neighborhood pandals compete in artistry until the visarjan (immersion) processions on Anant Chaturdashi with cries of "Ganpati Bappa Morya!"
Modak, ladoo and durva are essential offerings. Folk custom advises not sighting the moon this night (it invites false accusation, per the Syamantaka legend). Eco-friendly clay murtis are increasingly the norm for immersion.