Ganesh Chaturthi, the fourth day of the bright fortnight of Bhadon, was until recently a quiet household puja in Punjab. Over the last two decades, public celebrations on the Maharashtrian model have spread through Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar and Chandigarh: clay images are installed in pandals for up to ten days and immersed in canals and rivers.
The story
Ganesha is invoked at the start of every Hindu rite in Punjab as elsewhere, and his image sits over the door of most shops. The festival honours his birth to Parvati.
On this night the Moon is not looked at, for fear of false accusation.
How it is kept
- SthapanaThe image is installed at home or in the pandal.
- Ladoo and modakHis favourite sweets.
- AratiMorning and evening.
- VisarjanImmersion with dhol and colour.
Why this date
Ganesh Chaturthi is the Chaturthi of the bright fortnight of Bhadon (Bhadrapad), on the day it is present at midday.
Ganesh Chaturthi in other years
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Monday | |
| 2027 | Friday | |
| 2028 | Wednesday | |
| 2029 | Tuesday | |
| 2030 | Sunday | |
| 2031 | Saturday |
More Punjabi festivals
24 AugustJanam Ashtamiਜਨਮ ਅਸ਼ਟਮੀ
7 OctoberDurga Ashtamiਦੁਰਗਾ ਅਸ਼ਟਮੀ
17 AugustRakhriਰੱਖੜੀ
8 OctoberMaha Naumiਮਹਾਂ ਨੌਮੀ
18 JulyGuru Purnimaਗੁਰੂ ਪੂਰਨਿਮਾ
9 OctoberDussehraਦੁਸਹਿਰਾ
Where to see Ganesh Chaturthi
In Punjab
- LudhianaPunjabThe largest public celebrations in the state.
- AmritsarPunjabPandals round the Durgiana temple.
- ChandigarhChandigarhCommunity pandals in several sectors, with immersion in artificial ponds.
Across India
- MumbaiMaharashtraThe ten-day festival in its home, with Lalbaugcha Raja.
- PuneMaharashtraWhere the public celebration began.
- RanthamboreRajasthanThe Trinetra Ganesh in the fort.