As Ganeshotsav 2026 moves towards its emotional finale, many devotees are asking the same question: When should Ganpati Bappa be immersed, September 24 or September 25?
The confusion is understandable. Social media posts, festival calendars and different Panchang references have led to mixed messages. For families preparing for the final aarti and farewell procession, the uncertainty has sparked conversations across homes, housing societies and Ganesh mandals.
The simple answer is that the main Ganesh Visarjan associated with Anant Chaturdashi will be observed on Friday, September 25, 2026.
But the story behind the date is much more interesting than a calendar correction.
Unlike the modern calendar that changes dates at midnight, Hindu festivals are based on tithis, or lunar days. A tithi depends on the changing positions of the Sun and the Moon and can begin at any time during the day or night.
In 2026, the Chaturdashi tithi begins late on the night of September 24 and continues through most of September 25. Because Anant Chaturdashi falls during this period and remains the dominant tithi for the festival observance, devotees will celebrate the main Visarjan on September 25.
This difference between a lunar calendar and a clock-based calendar is the reason behind the confusion.
Interestingly, this year’s Ganeshotsav has also drawn attention because Ganesh Chaturthi was celebrated on September 14 while Anant Chaturdashi falls on September 25. On paper, the festival appears to span 12 calendar dates. However, that does not mean every family keeps Ganpati for 12 days.
Across Maharashtra and many parts of India, every household follows its own cherished tradition. Some families perform Visarjan after one-and-a-half days, three days, five days or seven days. Others keep Ganpati Bappa for the full festival period before bidding farewell on Anant Chaturdashi.
That is why there is never just one Visarjan day for every devotee.
For many families, the final day is less about calculations and more about emotions. It is the moment when homes that have echoed with aarti, prayers and visiting relatives suddenly become quiet again. Children who spent days decorating the mandap prepare to say goodbye. Elders gather for one last prayer before the idol leaves for immersion.
In cities such as Mumbai, Pune and several towns across Maharashtra, Anant Chaturdashi transforms streets into rivers of devotion. The sound of dhol-tasha, chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya” and thousands of devotees accompanying their beloved deity create an atmosphere that is both festive and deeply emotional.
The tradition also carries a beautiful message. Visarjan symbolises the cycle of arrival and departure, reminding devotees that nothing in life is permanent. Lord Ganesha returns to the elements, carrying with him the prayers, hopes and gratitude of millions.
And so, while the debate over September 24 and September 25 may continue online, devotees can remember one thing: the main Anant Chaturdashi Visarjan in 2026 falls on September 25, marking the grand farewell to Bappa and the promise that he will return again next year.
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