Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most important Hindu festivals and is celebrated with great fervour across Maharashtra and several other parts of the country. In 2026, Ganesh Chaturthi will be observed on Monday, September 14. The Chaturthi tithi begins at 7:06 am on September 14 and ends at 7:44 am on September 15.
One of the important beliefs associated with Ganesh Chaturthi is to avoid looking at the Moon on the day of the festival. According to religious belief, seeing the Moon during the prohibited period can lead to Mithya Dosham or Mithya Kalank, which is associated with false accusations or allegations.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Auspicious puja timing
For devotees in Mumbai, the Madhyahna Ganesh Puja Muhurat is from 11:20 am to 1:48 pm on September 14. This period is considered especially auspicious for performing Ganesh Puja and installing the idol.
Devotees generally bring Lord Ganesha's idol home, place it at a decorated altar and perform the puja with offerings such as flowers, durva grass, fruits and sweets. The festival is celebrated with prayers and aarti as devotees seek Lord Ganesha's blessings for prosperity, wisdom and the removal of obstacles.
When should you avoid seeing the Moon?
In Mumbai, devotees are advised to avoid Moon sighting during the specified prohibited period on Ganesh Chaturthi. Panchang timings can vary slightly depending on the location, so devotees should follow the timings applicable to their city.
The tradition of avoiding Moon sighting is linked to a popular Hindu mythology associated with Lord Ganesha and Chandra Dev. According to the belief, Lord Ganesha cursed the Moon after Chandra Dev mocked him. The belief surrounding the curse is one of the reasons devotees avoid looking at the Moon on Ganesh Chaturthi.
What if you accidentally see the Moon?
According to traditional belief, if someone accidentally sees the Moon during the prohibited period, there are prescribed remedies to overcome the associated Mithya Dosham. One traditional remedy involves listening to or reciting the story of Lord Krishna and the Syamantaka Mani, which is connected with the belief of being falsely accused.
Devotees may also offer prayers to Lord Ganesha and seek his blessings. The focus is on devotion and following the prescribed religious practices rather than becoming anxious about an accidental sighting.
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations will continue through the 10-day Ganeshotsav period, with Anant Chaturdashi falling on September 25, 2026. Devotees will immerse Ganesha idols on different days depending on their family and community traditions, including after one-and-a-half, three, five or seven days.
