Gauri Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Date, Timings & Puja Guide

When Is Gauri Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 And What Are The Key Timings

Gauri Ganesh Chaturthi, observed in the Shukla Paksha of the Magha month, is regarded as an auspicious day for seeking knowledge, wisdom and freedom from obstacles through the grace of Lord Ganesh and Goddess Gauri. It is the same Magha Shukla Chaturthi that is also known as Maghi Ganesh Chaturthi or Ganesh Jayanti, with special emphasis on worshipping both the divine mother and son together. Understanding the dates, fasting rules and moon related guidelines makes the observance more complete.

The detailed Tithi and timing for Gauri Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 are as follows.

Detail	Time and Date
Start of Chaturthi Tithi	22 January 2026, 02:47 am
End of Chaturthi Tithi	23 January 2026, 02:28 am
Festival date for observance	22 January 2026, Thursday
Chaturthi Madhyahna Muhurat	22 January 2026, 11:29 am to 01:37 pm
Time to avoid Moon sighting	22 January 2026, 09:22 am to 09:19 pm

Devotees usually fast from early morning until the main worship is completed and offer their puja during the auspicious midday period. For this particular Chaturthi, the guidance to avoid seeing the Moon is very clear and forms an important part of the discipline.

What Is Gauri Ganesh Chaturthi And Why Is It Special

Gauri Ganesh Chaturthi is the day on which Lord Ganesh is worshipped together with Goddess Gauri. On this day

• Lord Ganesh is remembered as the remover of obstacles and the lord of intellect and discrimination
• Goddess Gauri is honoured as the embodiment of strength, prosperity, auspiciousness and nurturing grace

Devotees pray on this date

• to remove blockages and delays from their path
• to receive support in education, career, business and relationships
• to invite harmony and protection for their homes and families

Thus, the observance becomes a combined request for clarity of mind and stability of heart under the blessings of both Ganesh and Gauri.

Why Should Moon Sighting Be Avoided On This Day

The tradition of avoiding the Moon on Gauri Ganesh Chaturthi comes from ancient stories that link this day with the risk of false accusations. It is believed that seeing the Moon on this Chaturthi can create situations where a person is wrongly blamed or misunderstood.

On 22 January 2026

• one is advised not to look at the Moon between 09:22 am and 09:19 pm
• if the Moon is seen accidentally, devotees usually recite prayers or stories of Lord Ganesh and seek inner relief through sincere remembrance

Beyond the literal rule, the message is to avoid mockery, pride and fault finding on this sacred day and to keep one’s perception gentle and restrained.

Preparations Before The Puja On Gauri Ganesh Chaturthi 2026

The quality of the puja is quietly shaped by the preparation done beforehand. This preparation purifies both the place and the mind.

• Wake up around sunrise, bathe and, if possible, add a few drops of Ganga water to the bath
• Clean the chosen puja area thoroughly and remove unnecessary items nearby
• Spread a clean cloth at the spot where the altar or wooden plank will be placed
• Wear clean, modest clothes, preferably in yellow or red tones as a sign of devotion

Through these simple steps the home space is gently turned into a small yet sacred altar for Gauri and Ganesh.

Stepwise Puja Rituals For Gauri Ganesh Chaturthi 2026

The puja can be performed at home in a simple and clear sequence.

• Place a wooden plank and cover it with a red or yellow cloth
• Install the idols or pictures of Goddess Gauri and Lord Ganesh on the altar
• Light a ghee lamp and incense in front of the deities
• Mentally take a sankalpa to observe the fast and the entire day with discipline and devotion
• Sprinkle a few drops of Ganga water on the idols for ritual purification
• Offer roli, rice, flowers and other basic items of worship to both Gauri and Ganesh
• Present durva grass, red flowers and boondi laddus or modaks to Lord Ganesh as bhog
• Offer haldi, kumkum, flowers and symbolic items of auspiciousness like chunari or bangles to Goddess Gauri
• Place five types of seasonal fruits and some dry fruits as offerings at their feet
• Conclude the worship with a joint aarti of Ganesh and Gauri and distribute prasad

Even a simple puja gains depth when it is accompanied by an attentive mind and a humble attitude.

Fasting Guidelines For Gauri Ganesh Chaturthi

The fast on this day is meant to support inner focus rather than mere physical austerity.

• The vow for the fast is taken before the morning puja
• Many devotees avoid grains during the day and subsist on fruits, milk, water and light sattvik food
• Throughout the fast, care is taken to avoid anger, harsh speech, gossip and unnecessary conflict
• After the main worship, especially once the Madhyahna puja is completed, the fast is usually broken with prasad

Those who have health limitations can adjust the strictness of the fast but maintaining purity and moderation in food and behaviour remains central.

Spiritual Importance Of Gauri Ganesh Chaturthi And Blessings Of Goddess Gauri

On this Chaturthi, Lord Ganesh is worshipped for wisdom, clarity and removal of obstacles.

• Devotees seek gradual easing of difficulties and smoother progress in their work
• Students and professionals pray for steadiness in learning and decision making
• Families invoke harmony, mutual understanding and protection from sudden disruptions

Worship of Goddess Gauri alongside Ganesh adds another layer of blessings.

• She is invoked for happiness and peace within the household
• Married couples may pray for stability and warmth in their relationship
• Devotees ask for patient strength to handle financial and emotional challenges gracefully

Together, their worship deepens the sense of being guided and supported across different aspects of life.

Mantras For Gauri Ganesh Chaturthi 2026

A few mantras are especially used on this day to remember Lord Ganesh.

• “Om Gam Ganapataye Namah”
• “Om Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada”

These mantras are connected with removing obstacles and blessing undertakings with smoother progress. Even a modest number of repetitions, if done with attention and correct pronunciation, can support inner steadiness.

Simple Ways To Make Gauri Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Meaningful At Home

Not everyone can reach a major temple or pilgrimage centre, yet the day can still be lived in a very meaningful way at home.

• Share simple stories about Ganesh and Gauri with children and discuss their qualities
• Eat at least one meal as a family, treating it as prasad after the puja
• Choose one habit, such as anger, late sleeping or excess phone usage and resolve to reduce it from this day onward
• Offer food, fruits, clothes or study materials to someone who genuinely needs support

Such small and sincere steps can turn this Chaturthi into a starting point for change in the coming months, rather than just a date on the calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Gauri Ganesh Chaturthi be celebrated in 2026
Gauri Ganesh Chaturthi in 2026 will be observed on Thursday, 22 January, during the Shukla Chaturthi of the Magha month. The Chaturthi Tithi runs from 02:47 am on 22 January to 02:28 am on 23 January and therefore the festival is kept on the first day according to Udaya Tithi.

What is the main puja muhurat on Gauri Ganesh Chaturthi 2026
The principal Madhyahna puja muhurat for Gauri Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 falls between 11:29 am and 01:37 pm. Worship, sankalpa, main offerings and aarti to Gauri and Ganesh are ideally performed during this interval.

What is the time period for avoiding Moon sighting
On 22 January 2026, one should avoid looking at the Moon from 09:22 am to 09:19 pm. Traditional belief connects Moon sighting during this span with the possibility of false accusations, so devotees follow this rule with care.

Which deities are worshipped on this day
On Gauri Ganesh Chaturthi, both Lord Ganesh and Goddess Gauri are worshipped. Lord Ganesh is invoked for wisdom and removal of obstacles, while Goddess Gauri is worshipped for prosperity, happiness and protection for the family.

What simple practice can be done at home on this date
At home, one may set up a small altar for Gauri and Ganesh, light a ghee lamp, chant “Om Gam Ganapataye Namah”, offer simple prasad such as fruits and sweets and give some food or clothing in charity. These actions, done quietly and sincerely, make the observance very fruitful.