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, May 20, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 20, 2026 | Wednesday | 08:38 am | — |
| Jun 18, 2026 | Thursday | 08:39 am | — |
| Aug 16, 2026 | Sunday | 09:18 am | — |
| Sep 15, 2026 | Tuesday | 10:00 am | — |
| Oct 14, 2026 | Wednesday | 09:44 am | — |
| Nov 13, 2026 | Friday | 10:16 am | — |
| Dec 13, 2026 | Sunday | 10:15 am | — |
| Jan 12, 2027 | Tuesday | 09:50 am | — |
| Feb 10, 2027 | Wednesday | 08:50 am | — |
| Mar 12, 2027 | Friday | 08:29 am | — |
| Apr 10, 2027 | Saturday | 07:55 am | — |
| May 10, 2027 | Monday | 08:47 am | — |
| Jun 8, 2027 | Tuesday | 08:52 am | — |
| Jul 7, 2027 | Wednesday | 08:53 am | — |
| Aug 5, 2027 | Thursday | 08:46 am | — |