Every year, Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 brings waves of excitement, devotion, and color across India. Streets echo with chants of Ganpati Bappa Morya, homes smell of fresh modaks, and communities come together to honor the beloved elephant-headed god.
But for 2025, many people are wondering: Is Ganesh Chaturthi on 26 August or 27 August? The Hindu calendar often leaves room for confusion, but don’t worry—we’ve got the answer. The celebration officially falls on Wednesday, 27 August 2025, making it the much-anticipated 27 August holiday.
In this detailed guide, let’s explore the exact puja timings, the meaning behind the festival, city-wise muhurats, traditions, eco-friendly celebrations, and why this 27 August holiday will be one of the most memorable days of the year.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: The Date Explained
Here’s where the confusion started:
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Chaturthi Tithi begins: 26 August 2025 at 1:54 pm
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Chaturthi Tithi ends: 27 August 2025 at 3:44 pm
Since Hindu festivals are celebrated on the tithi prevailing at sunrise, the main day of Ganesh Chaturthi is 27 August 2025. So yes, the nation will be celebrating this grand festival on a 27 August holiday.
Pooja Muhurat for 27 August Holiday
Performing Ganesh Puja at the right time is essential for invoking blessings. For 2025, the Madhyahna Ganesh Puja Muhurat is:
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11:05 am to 01:40 pm (New Delhi)
The midday period is considered the most sacred because scriptures suggest Lord Ganesha was born during this time.
City-Wise Pooja Timings for Ganesh Chaturthi 2025
Here’s a breakdown of puja timings in major cities for the 27 August holiday:
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Mumbai: 11:24 am – 01:55 pm
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Pune: 11:21 am – 01:51 pm
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Ahmedabad: 11:25 am – 01:57 pm
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Bengaluru: 11:07 am – 01:36 pm
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Hyderabad: 11:02 am – 01:33 pm
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Chennai: 10:56 am – 01:25 pm
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Jaipur: 11:11 am – 01:45 pm
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Kolkata: 10:22 am – 12:54 pm
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Noida: 11:05 am – 01:39 pm
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Gurgaon: 11:06 am – 01:40 pm
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Chandigarh: 11:07 am – 01:42 pm
Wherever you are, mark the muhurat because performing rituals in this period is considered highly auspicious.
The Story Behind Ganesh Chaturthi
Why do millions celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with so much enthusiasm? The roots lie in an age-old story.
Goddess Parvati once created a boy from sandalwood paste to guard her while she bathed. When Lord Shiva returned, the boy (Ganesha) refused to let him enter. Furious, Shiva severed his head. Seeing Parvati’s grief, Shiva promised to bring him back to life. He placed the head of an elephant on the boy’s body—and thus was born Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.
This is why the festival is seen as a fresh start. Be it moving into a new house, starting a business, or launching a project—people invoke Ganesha’s blessings first.
The Importance of the 27 August Holiday
The 27 August holiday is more than just a day off from work or school. It’s the day families bring Lord Ganesha home, set up beautifully decorated pandals, and come together for prayers.
Think of it as a national festival that blurs the line between spirituality and celebration. From small towns to metro cities, the energy is contagious. Whether you’re dancing in Mumbai’s grand processions or offering modaks in Chennai, the entire country unites in devotion.
How Families Prepare for Ganesh Chaturthi
The preparations for the 27 August holiday start weeks before. Markets buzz with idols, flowers, and sweets, while households gear up for the big day.
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Cleaning the Home: Considered a ritual of purity before inviting Ganesha.
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Decorating the Mandap: Flowers, lights, and colorful fabrics transform living rooms into mini-temples.
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Eco-Friendly Idols: More families now prefer clay idols to protect rivers and lakes from pollution.
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Cooking Modaks: Sweet dumplings filled with jaggery and coconut, believed to be Ganesha’s favorite.
The Ten-Day Celebration
Ganesh Chaturthi is not just about one day—it’s a ten-day journey of devotion.
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Day 1 (27 August): The grand welcome—installing the idol with chants and rituals.
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Days 2–9: Daily prayers, cultural events, bhajans, and family gatherings.
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Day 10 (6 September): Ganesh Visarjan—immersion of idols into water, marking the god’s return to his heavenly abode.
The final day is both joyous and emotional, with people chanting “Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya!” (Come soon next year!).
Why Ganesh Chaturthi Matters Spiritually
Beyond the grandeur, the festival carries deep spiritual lessons:
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Faith in new beginnings – Ganesha symbolizes success in every fresh venture.
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Letting go – Visarjan reminds us to embrace impermanence.
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Unity in diversity – It brings people of all castes and communities together.
It’s a festival that balances devotion with life lessons we all need.
Ganesh Chaturthi Around the World
The 27 August holiday won’t just be celebrated in India—it’s global. From London to New Jersey, Sydney to Singapore, Indian communities organize massive processions, cultural performances, and poojas.
In fact, in some cities abroad, Ganesh Chaturthi is so big that local governments officially recognize it, much like in India.
Eco-Friendly Ganesh Chaturthi: A Growing Trend
Modern celebrations come with a green twist. Instead of idols made from harmful materials, many devotees now use:
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Clay idols that dissolve naturally.
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Plant-based idols with seeds inside, which sprout into plants after visarjan.
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Chocolate idols, later melted in milk and distributed as prasad.
It’s a brilliant way to celebrate tradition while respecting nature.
Food Traditions of Ganesh Chaturthi
Food is at the heart of Indian festivals, and Ganesh Chaturthi is no exception. The superstar dish? Modak—sweet, soft, and absolutely divine.
But that’s not all. Depending on the region, you’ll also find:
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Puran Poli in Maharashtra
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Kozhukattai in Tamil Nadu
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Karanji and Laddoos in North India
Cooking these sweets is a family activity, making the festival even more joyous.
Ganesh Visarjan: The Farewell
The last day, 6 September 2025, is Ganesh Visarjan. Idols are taken in processions with dancing, music, and chants before being immersed in rivers or lakes.
It symbolizes the cycle of life—welcoming, celebrating, and finally letting go. For many, it’s the most emotional yet beautiful part of the festival.
Read More: Cheteshwar Pujara Unbreakable Spirit: The Silent Warrior Who Redefined Test Cricket
Conclusion
Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 will be celebrated on Wednesday, 27 August. This 27 August holiday is not just a date on the calendar—it’s a festival of joy, devotion, and unity. From performing pooja at the right muhurat to relishing modaks and witnessing grand visarjan processions, the festival blends tradition, spirituality, and celebration perfectly.
So, wherever you are—whether at home with family or celebrating in a community pandal—this 27 August holiday promises to be one you’ll cherish forever.
