Ganesh Sthapana Muhurat 2026: In Hinduism, Lord Ganesha is revered as the deity to be worshipped first. Whether it is Krishna Janmashtami or Durga Puja, Hindus always worship Ganesha before others. As Ganesh Chaturthi approaches, every household begins special preparations. Alongside the idol of Ganpati, modaks, red flowers, and the puja thali, one item is almost always present: Durva grass. The festive spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi is clearly visible in the markets, where a wide variety of Ganesha idols are on display.

The most auspicious time (muhurat) to install (Sthapana) the idol on Ganesh Chaturthi is between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. However, those unable to install the idol during this specific window can do so by consulting the auspicious *Choghadiya* timings. Let us look at the auspicious timings available for Ganesh Sthapana on September 14.

According to the Panchang (Hindu almanack), the Chaturthi Tithi (fourth day of the lunar fortnight) begins at 7:06 AM on September 14 and concludes at 7:45 AM on September 15. Notably, a rare, significant convergence of *Teej* and Ganesh Chaturthi is occurring this year. Additionally, Bhadra will influence both observances. Typically, the Ganesh Chaturthi fast follows the *Hartalika Teej* fast by one day. This day is also known as *Kalank Chauth*; it is believed that one should not sight the moon on this day. People worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati together on this occasion. The *Hartalika* fast will be observed on September 14.

3 Auspicious Timings for Ganesh Sthapana

Date: September 14, 2026

*Char* (Mobile/Active): 1:49 PM – 3:22 PM
*Labh* (Gain): 3:22 PM – 4:55 PM
*Amrit* (Nectar/Best): 4:55 PM – 6:28 PM

When is Ganesh Chaturthi?

In 2026, Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country on Monday, September 14. This day holds special significance as the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha. On this day, people install Ganpati idols in homes and public *pandals* (marquees) and worship them with prescribed rituals. Devotees also offer *Modaks*, vermilion (*sindoor*), red flowers, and *Durva* grass with particular devotion during this worship.

In which direction should the Kalash and idol be placed?

From the perspective of the person performing the worship, the *Kalash* is placed to the left of Lord Ganesha. In other words, if the idol of Ganpati is in front of you while you are seated for worship, the *Kalash* will be positioned to your right. Place the *Kalash* on the platform (*chowki*) near Lord Ganesha; fill it with water, unbroken rice grains (*akshat*), and betel nuts (*supari*), and place mango or Ashoka leaves and a coconut on top.

The shadow of Bhadra on Hartalika Teej

Women observe a Nirjala fast (abstaining from both food and water) to perform the Teej worship. Hartalika Teej falls on the third day (Tritiya) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Bhadrapada month; this year, it falls on September 14. This year, Bhadra will also influence Hartalika Teej.

Bhadra begins on the 14th and will continue through Paran (breaking the fast). Consequently, the influence of Bhadra will remain from the time of worship until the fast is broken. *Bhadra* sets in at 7:21 PM on the night of the 14th and continues until 7:44 AM the following morning, the 15th. Therefore, breaking the fast only after 7:44 AM would align with scriptural guidelines. One should not break the fast while *Bhadra* is prevailing.