Gauriganesha Chaturthi Timings

2026 Gauri Ganesha Chaturthi

Gauri Ganesha Vrat is observed on Magha Shukla Chaturthi, which is dedicated to the Gauriganesha form of Lord Ganesha. The significance of this fast is described in scriptures such as the Mudgala Purana and Bhavishya Purana. These texts declare that observing the Chaturthi Vrat brings fulfillment of all desires. On this day, worshiping Lord Ganesha during Madhyana Kala is considered extremely auspicious. When performed with faith and devotion, it bestows the blessings of Lord Ganesha, along with happiness and prosperity. Acts of worship, chanting, penance, charity and offerings made on this sacred Tithi, which is dear to Lord Ganesha, yield a thousandfold spiritual merit.

Lord Ganesha is one of the most beloved and widely worshipped deities in Hinduism. Known as the Pratham Pujya, i.e., the first to be worshipped, He is invoked at the beginning of all auspicious rituals and ceremonies. Worshipping Lord Ganesha removes obstacles from every aspect of life.

In Maharashtra and the coastal regions of Konkan, Ganesha Jayanti is celebrated on Magha Shukla Chaturthi according to the Hindu calendar. The birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha is celebrated as Ganesh Jayanti. It is important to know that while Ganesha Chaturthi is one of the most celebrated festivals in Maharashtra, it is not universally regarded as the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha. It is Ganesha Jayanti during Magha month which is considered as the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha.

Gauri Ganesha Chaturthi Puja Vidhi - Traditional

On the day of Magha Shukla Chaturthi, wake up early, complete your daily ablutions and take a Sankalpa, i.e., vow to observe fast. Spend the day in meditation and devotion to Lord Ganesha. Install a clay idol of Ganesha and perform Prana Pratishtha. Perform Shodashopachara Puja of Lord Ganesha's Vakratunda form with devotion. Offer Modaka, His most beloved food, as Naivedya. Chant the Mantra Gam Swaha। (गं स्वाहा।) as many times as possible and perform Nyasa with the syllables Gam (गां), Geem (गीं), Gum (गूं), Gaim (गैं), Gaum (गौं) and Gah (गः).

While saying 'Agaccholkaaya', invoke Lord Ganesha, and with 'Gaccholkaaya', perform the ritual of farewell known as Visarjana. Conclude the worship by reciting the following Ganesha Gayatri Mantra -

During midday, offer Arghya to the Chaturthi Tithi three times while reciting the following Mantra -

Meaning - "O most sacred among all Tithi(s), beloved of Lord Ganesha, I bow to you! Please accept this offering and remove all my difficulties. O presiding Goddess of Chaturthi, I offer this Arghya to you with reverence."

After completing the Vrat, eat Til Modaka on the Panchami Tithi.

Gauri Ganesha Chaturthi Puja Vidhi - Bhavishya Purana

According to the Bhavishya Purana and Vrat Parichaya, the following ritual procedure is prescribed for the Magha Shukla Chaturthi Vrat. The Purana mentions that the Purvavidha Tithi should be preferred when observing the fast.

• After taking a morning bath and wearing clean clothes, begin the worship of Lord Ganesha by taking a Sankalpa to observe the Ganesha Vrat.
• Prepare a Vedi, i.e., wooden altar and cover it with a red cloth.
• Draw a lotus with eight petals using red rice grains, Akshata and install a vermilion-smeared idol of Lord Ganesha upon it.
• Offer red-colored fruits and flowers, performing the Shodashopachara Ganesha Pujan with devotion.
• Prepare a mixture of soaked and peeled turmeric, jaggery, sugar and Ghee and offer it to Lord Ganesha as Naivedya.
• Observe a Nakta Vrat, means eat only once at night.
• For full merit, listen to or recite the Gauriganesha Chaturthi Vrat Katha.
• According to the Mudgala Purana, on Panchami Tithi, conclude all rituals by performing Parana i.e. breaking the fast, in the presence of a Brahmin.

By observing this Vrat with this method, all desires are fulfilled. Those who follow the ritual regularly experience the grace of Lord Ganesha in every aspect of their lives and all their undertakings are completed without hindrance.