The ten-day Ganesha festival is drawing to a close, and today marks the Visarjan (immersion) of Ganesha. On this same day, the festival of Anant Chaturdashi is celebrated. On Anant Chaturdashi, not only is Ganesha immersed, but the form of Vishnu known as 'Ananta' (the infinite) is also worshipped.
According to ancient legends, on the day of immersion, Bappa returns to his home, Mount Kailash, leaving behind blessings of happiness, prosperity, and good fortune. Mythologically, it is believed that on this sacred day, Ganesha took a bath in cold water after Vedavyasa completed writing the Mahabharata. Furthermore, this day is considered a special festival honoring the form of Vishnu, who is the preserver of the universe.
Auspicious Times for Ganesha Visarjan in 2026
There are several favorable time intervals for conducting the Visarjan:
- Morning period (Chara, Labh, Amrit): from 06:11 AM to 10:42 AM.
- Afternoon period (Chara): from 04:44 PM to 06:14 PM.
- Afternoon period (Shubh): from 12:13 PM to 01:43 PM.
- Night period (Labh): from 09:14 PM to 10:43 PM.
- Night period (Shubh, Amrit, Chara): from 00:13 AM to 04:42 AM on September 26th.
Date of Ganesha Visarjan in 2026
According to the Dik Panchang, the Chaturdashi Tithi for Ganesha Visarjan began on September 24th at 11:18 PM and will conclude on September 25th at 11:06 PM.
Correct and Complete Procedure for Ganesha Visarjan
Before performing the Visarjan, it is necessary to offer a final ritual worship to Ganesha. Red sandalwood, turmeric (durva), modak, laddu, flowers, and fruits should be offered to him. Then, Aarti of Ganesha must be sung by lighting a kupur. After this, one should ask for forgiveness for any unintentional mistakes by joining hands in prayer.
After completing the worship, the following mantra is recited: 'Gachch gachch sureshthva stavane parmeshwar. Yatra brahmadayo deva: tatr gachch hutashan.' Following this, the wooden pedestal (chowki) is gently swayed, which signals the end of the time for placing Bappa. A red or yellow woven material is laid on the chowki, and the statue of Ganesha is placed there. A small offering, some rice, and a small pouch of modaks are also kept nearby. Bappa should be carried to the immersion site with great respect, holding him on the head or in the hands. Along the way, one should loudly chant 'Ganpati Bappa Moriya, pudchhya Varshi Lavkar Ya!' Upon arrival at the immersion location (river, pond, or home reservoir), Aarti should be performed once more, and then the statue should be slowly and reverently lowered into the water.
Eco-friendly Immersion
For an ecological Visarjan, a large pot, bucket, or basin should be filled with clean water. The statue of Ganesha should be slowly lowered into the water, accompanied by mantras and chants. When the clay has completely dissolved, this water and clay can be added to plants or the home garden. Thus, Bappa's blessings will always remain in your home in the form of plants.