Last updated: June 2026.
When is Vinayaka Chavithi in 2026?
Vinayaka Chavithi (Ganesha Chaturthi) 2026 falls on Monday, September 14, 2026 in India, as computed by our astronomy engine for the Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi Tithi prevailing at madhyahna (midday) — the traditional moment of Lord Ganesha's birth.
About these dates: All dates below are computed by our astronomy engine for India (IST, Hyderabad reference) using Drik Ganita with Lahiri Ayanamsa. Timings shift with your location — a festival can fall one day earlier or later outside India. Use your
city-specific Panchangam page for local timings, and always confirm important observances with your temple or Pandit.
How the Date Is Determined
Vinayaka Chavithi is observed on Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi — the fourth Tithi of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada Masam. Because Lord Ganesha is believed to have been born at midday, the festival is assigned to the civil day on which Chaturthi Tithi prevails during Madhyahna Kala (the midday period between sunrise and sunset). When the Tithi spans two days, the day with Chaturthi at madhyahna takes precedence — this is why printed calendars occasionally differ by a day, and why the date can shift for cities outside India.
Telugu Traditions
- Matti Vinayakudu — the traditional clay Ganesha idol, worshipped at home and immersed after the festival. Clay idols are both the most traditional and the most eco-friendly choice.
- Ekavimshati Patri Puja — the offering of 21 sacred leaves (patri), each representing a different aspect of nature's healing energies.
- Undrallu & Kudumulu — steamed rice-flour offerings unique to the Telugu celebration, along with modakam and laddu.
- Shamantakamani Katha — the story of the Syamantaka jewel is read during puja; tradition holds that one should avoid looking at the moon on Chavithi night without hearing this story.
- Navaratri Utsavalu & Nimajjanam — public pandals celebrate for up to nine days, culminating in grand immersion processions. Hyderabad's Khairatabad Ganesh is among the tallest in India, and Vijayawada's processions to the Krishna River draw lakhs of devotees.
Vinayaka Chavithi Outside India
For Telugu families in the United States, Canada, UK, Gulf, and Australia, the madhyahna Tithi check applies to your local sunrise and sunset. In most US time zones the festival aligns with the Indian date, but it can shift by a day in some years. Verify with your city's computed Panchangam below.
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