Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most loved and widely celebrated festivals in India, honoring the birth of Lord Ganesha – the elephant-headed god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. This year, Ganesh Chaturthi will be observed on Wednesday, 27 August 2025. This spiritual celebration is marked by colorful decorations, lively music, and the joyful chanting of prayers across the country. Colorful clay idols of Lord Ganesh are installed in homes and public places, where families and communities gather to offer sweets, sing devotional songs, and seek blessings of divine God. In this blog, let’s discover the key highlights of Ganesh Chaturthi 2025, including its significance, timings, must-visit pandals, and rituals to celebrate this vibrant occasion. Read on...
Why is Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated?
Ganesh Chaturthi holds deep reverence in Hinduism as the day of Ganesha’s arrival on Earth. It is observed on Chaturthi Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada to seek his blessings for a successful and obstacle-free life.
As per Hindu mythology, this is the time when Ganesha was created by Goddess Parvati using sandalwood paste and was given life. However, Lord Shiva beheaded Ganesha when the boy stopped him from entering the house, as he was following the command of his mother. Later, Shiva replaced his head with that of an elephant, giving him a unique appearance.
Ganesh Chaturthi is the time of devotion, celebration, and community gatherings. Devotees believe that performing rituals of Ganesh Chaturthi can bring spiritual solace and fulfilment of their desires. The celebration lasts for ten days, during which the deity of Ganesha is worshiped with full faith and fervor. The festival ends with the immersion of the idol in water on the 14th day of Bhadrapada Shukla Paksh (Anant Chaturdashi), which symbolizes the return of Ganesha to his holy abode in Mount Kailash.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 Date & Timings
Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 falls on 27 August (Wednesday) followed by Visarjan on 6 September. The timings for puja during the festival are mentioned below:
- Bhadra Shukla Chaturthi date begins – 01:54 PM on 26 August 2025
- Bhadra Shukla Chaturthi date ends – 03:44 PM on 27 August 2025
- Shukla Yoga – 27 August to 28 August from 12:35 PM to 01:18 PM
- Brahma Yoga – 28 August to 29 August 01:18 PM to 02:13 PM
- Rahukaal – 12:22 PM to 01:59 PM on 27 August
- Midday Ganesh Puja Timings – 11:05 AM to 01:40 PM on 27 August
- Time to escape from Chandra Darshan – 09:28 AM to 08:57 PM on 27 August
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Must-Visit Pandals and Temples for Ganesh Chaturthi
Listed below is the list of the most popular places to visit in India for Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 celebrations:
1. Lalbaugcha Raja, Mumbai
Considered the king of all Ganesha idols, Lalbaugcha Raja is not just a pandal but a phenomenon that every devotee wishes to experience once in a lifetime. Every year, millions of devotees, including celebrities, flock to this location in South Mumbai to catch a glimpse of the majestic idol, which is believed to fulfil all the wishes. The atmosphere here is intense and deeply spiritual. Lalbaugcha Raja was established in 1934 by local fishermen as Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal in Lalbaug. With a rich history of community service and unity, this pandal stands as a symbol of the unwavering faith and devotion of Mumbaikars. You can join a general line for a view from a distance or stand in the Navas line which takes you right to the idol’s feet for blessings but be prepared for a much longer wait.
Visiting Hours: Open 24 hours, but peak hours are intense
Best Time to Visit: Late night (1 AM to 5 AM) for shorter queues
2. Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai
Situated in Prabhadevi neighborhood of Mumbai, Siddhivinayak Temple is one of the most revered temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha in India. Although the temple is a year-round pilgrimage site, its significance soars during Ganesh Chaturthi. The temple is known for its unique idol, which has been carved from a single black stone with the trunk tilted to the right. The premises of the temple buzz with special prayers, chants, and devotees offering Modaks, favorite sweet of Lord Ganesha. The energy here is palpable, offering a deeply spiritual experience amid the hustle and bustle of the city. The Kakad Arti held early morning at Siddhivinayak Temple is an unmissable experience for visitors.
Visiting Hours: 5:30 AM to 10 PM, Daily
Best Time to Visit: Early morning for Kakad Aarti or late evening
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3. Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple, Pune
Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple in Pune is another iconic landmark, known for its opulent Ganesha idol adorned with kilos of gold and precious jewels. The temple was built in 1893 by local sweets seller Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai and his wife in the memory of their sons, who died due to plague. During Ganesh Chaturthi, the temple becomes the spiritual heart of the city. The surrounding area is decorated with magnificent light displays, and the festive procession on the final day is a grand spectacle, making it a must-visit for anyone in Pune. The temple is managed by Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Sarvajanik Ganpati Trust along with an old age home and educational institutions.
Visiting Hours: 6 AM to 11 PM, Daily
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon on weekdays
4. Ganesh Galli Mumbaicha Raja, Mumbai
Just a short distance from Lalbaugcha Raja, the Ganesh Galli Mumbaicha Raja is one of the oldest and most popular pandals in Mumbai. It is renowned for its elaborate and creative themes, which usually replicate famous temples and historical monuments from across India. Every year, the organizers craft a new, stunning setting for the Ganesha idol, which makes it a visual delight for those attending the festivities. This pandal offers a glimpse into the artistic and cultural side of the festival, highlighting incredible craftsmanship of local people.
Visiting Hours: Open 24 hours during the festival
Best Time to Visit: Late night to see the themed decorations fully lit
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5. Kasba Ganpati, Pune
Regarded as the Manacha Pahila Ganpati, Kasba Ganpati holds a special place in the history and culture of Pune. This idol leads the immersion procession on the final day of the festival. The pandal is located in the heart of Kasba Peth, and its celebrations are steeped in tradition rather than opulence. Visiting Kasba Ganpati offers an authentic look at how this auspicious festival has been celebrated for generations. It’s a more intimate and traditional experience compared to the larger, more commercialized pandals, allowing you to connect with the historical roots of this public festival started by Lokmanya Tilak.
Visiting Hours: 6 AM to 10 PM, Daily
Best Time to Visit: Evening to soak in the traditional atmosphere
Rituals During Ganesh Chaturthi 2025
- Avahana
Avahana (invocation) marks the beginning of Ganesh Chaturthi, where devotees welcomethe clay idol or image of Lord Ganesha into their homes. The priest or the head of the household chants mantras to invoke the presence of the deity. It also involves deep prajwalan (lighting a lamp) and sankalpa (vows).
- Pran Pratishtha
During Pran Pratishtha, the idol is infused with life force through sacred chants and rituals. It is believed that this act brings Lord Ganesha into the idol, making it a living embodiment of the deity. This ritual is the spiritual heart of the celebration, turning the idol into a sacred object of worship.
- Shodashopachara
Shodashopachara is made of words Shodasha (16 forms) and Upachara (tribute to God). This ritual involves offering sixteen forms of traditional hospitality to Lord Ganesha. This includes bathing the idol (Abhishek), offering new clothes, flowers, incense, lamps, sweets like modaks, and chanting hymns. These offerings showcase devotion, gratitude, and reverence for Ganesha.
- Uttar Puja
Uttar Puja is performed before the idol is taken for immersion in water (Visarjan). It is a formal farewell, expressing thanks and seeking permission for immersion. Devotees pray for Ganesha’s blessings and request his return in the next year.
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Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a celebration but a journey into the heart of India’s incredible culture and devotion for Lord Ganesha. From the awe-inspiring idols of Ganpati to the delicious festive food, every moment of the festival is filled with joy and wonder. If you are planning to attend the festivities of Ganesh Chaturthi this year, explore our wide range of India tour packages and choose the one that best suits your travel desires. Don’t forget to visit popular attractions nearby or attend other festivals taking part during this season. We wish you a happy Ganesh Chaturthi 2025!
FAQ’s - Ganesh Chaturthi 2025
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the Hindu god of wisdom and new beginnings. It is believed that Goddess Parvati created Ganesha on this date and the festival marks his arrival on Earth.
The confirmed date of Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 is 27 August, falling on a Wednesday. Mark the date on your calendar to immerse yourself in the devotion of Ganpati and experience his divinity. The Visarjan ceremony will be held on 6 September 2025.
Ganesh Chaturthi festival is celebrated for up to 10 days. Families and communities bring home the idols of Lord Ganesha on the first day and perform an immersion ceremony (Visarjan) in water on the 1.5, 3rd, 5th, 7th, or 10th day.
Lalbaugcha Raja, Siddhivinayak Temple and Ganesh Galli Mumbaicha Raja in Mumbai and Pune’s Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple and Kasba Ganpati are among the best places to enjoy most vibrant celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi.
You should dress modestly while visiting a pandal or temple on Ganesh Chaturthi or any other occasion. It is best to wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. You may also be asked to remove your shoes before entering a temple or pandal.
The key rituals to follow during Ganesh Chaturthi are Avahana (welcome with lighting lamps), Pran Pratishtha (invocation of life), Shodashopachara (16-step worship) and Uttar Puja (farewell prayers) followed by Ganpati Visarjan (immersion).
Yes, tourists can watch and even participate in the immersion processions during Ganesh Chaturthi. It’s a vibrant and energetic event that involves music and dancing, but be prepared for very large crowds, especially at popular spots like Girgaon Chowpatty in Mumbai.
Yes, it is generally safe for tourists to attend Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in India. However, be prepared for massive crowds, especially at famous pandals and on the day of immersion. Also, be careful about your belongings in crowded areas.
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