Vinayaka Chaturthi Significance & Spiritual Meaning
Vinayaka Chaturthi is the Shukla Paksha Chaturthi of every month, dedicated to Ganesha. It is a day of worship and fasting for wisdom and removal of obstacles.
Vinayaka Chaturthi Mythology & Legend
According to the Shiva Purana, Ganesha was born on Chaturthi. Monthly observance pleases him and ensures success in endeavours. The name Vinayaka means "remover of obstacles".
Vinayaka Chaturthi Puja Rituals & Vidhi
- Observe a partial or full fast; bathe at sunrise.
- Offer modak, flowers, durva grass, and coconut to Ganesha.
- Chant Ganesha mantras and stotras; perform aarti.
- Break the fast after puja with prasad.
Vinayaka Chaturthi Mantras in Sanskrit
ॐ गं गणपतये नमः
oṃ gaṃ gaṇapataye namaḥ
Salutations to Ganesha
Vinayaka Chaturthi Traditional Foods & Prasad
- ●Modak
- ●Ladoo
- ●Fruits
- ●Prasad
Vinayaka Chaturthi Regional Celebrations across India
South India(வினாயக சதுர்த்தி)
Monthly Ganesha puja
Maharashtra(विनायक चतुर्थी)
Same as Sankashti observance
Vinayaka Chaturthi Do's & Don't's
Do's
- ✓Worship Ganesha
- ✓Offer modak
- ✓Chant mantras
- ✓Observe fast if possible
Don'ts
- ✗Do not disrespect Ganesha
- ✗Avoid looking at the moon on Chaturthi in some beliefs
- ✗Do not skip puja
Vinayaka Chaturthi — Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Vinayaka Chaturthi?
- Vinayaka Chaturthi is the Shukla Paksha Chaturthi of every month, dedicated to Ganesha.
- When is Vinayaka Chaturthi 2026?
- In 2026, Vinayaka Chaturthi falls on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.
- What are the Vinayaka Chaturthi puja rituals?
- Observe a partial or full fast; bathe at sunrise.; Offer modak, flowers, durva grass, and coconut to Ganesha.; Chant Ganesha mantras and stotras; perform aarti.; Break the fast after puja with prasad.
- What to eat on Vinayaka Chaturthi?
- Modak, Ladoo, Fruits, Prasad
- What should you do on Vinayaka Chaturthi?
- Worship Ganesha; Offer modak; Chant mantras
- What should you avoid on Vinayaka Chaturthi?
- Do not disrespect Ganesha; Avoid looking at the moon on Chaturthi in some beliefs; Do not skip puja
- Which deity is worshipped on Vinayaka Chaturthi?
- Vinayaka Chaturthi is dedicated to Ganesha.
Upcoming Vinayaka Chaturthi Dates in 2026, 2027 & Beyond
Vinayaka Chaturthi is a sacred Hindu festival observed on the tithi shown. Dates are calculated from the Panchang for your region.
Times shown for New Delhi, India (IST)
| Date | Day | Moonrise Time | Special Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 May 2026 | Wednesday | 08:38 am | — |
| 18 Jun 2026 | Thursday | 08:39 am | — |
| 16 Aug 2026 | Sunday | 09:18 am | — |
| 15 Sept 2026 | Tuesday | 10:00 am | — |
| 14 Oct 2026 | Wednesday | 09:44 am | — |
| 13 Nov 2026 | Friday | 10:16 am | — |
| 13 Dec 2026 | Sunday | 10:15 am | — |
| 12 Jan 2027 | Tuesday | 09:50 am | — |
| 10 Feb 2027 | Wednesday | 08:50 am | — |
| 12 Mar 2027 | Friday | 08:29 am | — |
| 10 Apr 2027 | Saturday | 07:55 am | — |
| 10 May 2027 | Monday | 08:47 am | — |
| 8 Jun 2027 | Tuesday | 08:52 am | — |
| 7 Jul 2027 | Wednesday | 08:53 am | — |
| 5 Aug 2027 | Thursday | 08:46 am | — |