Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals in India, marking the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. Also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, the festival is observed with great devotion and enthusiasm, especially in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, among other states. This joyous festival is a time for devotion, community, and new beginnings. As we prepare to welcome the remover of obstacles into our homes on Tuesaday, August 26, 2025, it's important to honor the traditions correctly. This guide provides the official puja muhurat, and a complete list of do's and don'ts to help you celebrate with true spiritual reverence and responsibility.
According to Drik Panchang, the Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat, which is considered the most auspicious time to worship Lord Ganesha, is from 11:05 AM to 01:40 PM. The duration of the puja muhurat is 2 hours and 34 minutes.
As devotees across the country gear up for this 10-day festival filled with rituals, prayers, music, and community spirit, it is essential to follow certain do's and don’ts to ensure the celebration is not only spiritually enriching but also environmentally responsible.
Do’s for Ganesh Chaturthi
1. Bring Home an Eco-Friendly Idol
Opt for clay, paper-mâché, or natural fiber idols instead of those made from Plaster of Paris (PoP). Eco-friendly idols dissolve easily during immersion and do not pollute water bodies. PoP idols contain harmful chemicals that damage aquatic ecosystems and pollute rivers and lakes. For a comprehensive guide on sustainable celebrations, refer to How To Celebrate An Eco-Friendly Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: A Complete Guide.
2. Clean and Decorate the Worship Area
Before installing the idol, thoroughly clean the area and decorate it with rangolis, flowers, lights, and traditional decorations. Place the idol on a clean platform or chowki covered with a red cloth. Adorn the idol with garlands and fresh flowers.
3. Perform the Rituals Properly
Follow proper rituals while performing Ganesh Sthapana. Chant the required mantras, light incense sticks and diyas, and offer bhog like modaks, fruits, coconut, and more. It is ideal to consult a priest for accurate puja vidhi, especially on the first and last days.
4. Offer Prayers During the Puja Muhurat
Make sure to perform the puja during the Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat, which is the most auspicious time for Ganpati Puja. In 2025, the muhurat is from 11:05 AM to 01:40 PM on Wednesday, August 27.
5. Maintain Cleanliness and Spiritual Discipline
Follow a sattvic (pure) lifestyle during the festival. Avoid consuming non-vegetarian food, alcohol, onion, and garlic. Maintain a clean environment and ensure the idol is treated with utmost reverence.
6. Celebrate with Compassion
Ganesh Chaturthi is also a time to spread kindness. Distribute food, clothes, and sweets to the less fortunate. Organize community lunches, tree plantations, or awareness campaigns as part of the celebration.
To complete your festive preparations, including delicious offerings for Lord Ganesha and your guests, don't forget to check out 6 Traditional Ganesh Chaturthi Recipes For A Festive Feast.
7. Opt for Responsible Immersion
On Anant Chaturdashi, when it is time to bid farewell to Lord Ganesha, ensure that immersion is done in eco-friendly ways. Preferably, use artificial immersion ponds designated by local authorities.
Don’ts for Ganesh Chaturthi
1. Avoid Plaster of Paris (PoP) Idols
PoP idols are cheap but harmful to the environment. They do not dissolve easily in water and release harmful toxins. Their use is banned in many cities and should be avoided completely.
2. Don’t Leave the House Empty
Once the idol is installed in your home, someone must always be present in the house. Leaving the idol alone is considered disrespectful and inauspicious.
3. Avoid Loud Noises and Firecrackers
Excessive noise, especially from firecrackers and loudspeakers, disturbs people, animals, and the environment. Keep music at a moderate volume and skip fireworks entirely.
4. Do Not Waste Food
Prepare bhog and prasad in limited quantities and share with others. Wasting food during such an auspicious time goes against the spirit of devotion and humility.
5. Don’t Ignore Safety Guidelines
Ensure safety while using candles, diyas, or other flammable decorations. If organizing public pandals or events, take fire, crowd, and electrical safety seriously.
6. Avoid Plastic Decorations
Plastic flowers, thermocol, and single-use items add to environmental pollution. Use natural materials like banana leaves, mango leaves, real flowers, and cloth buntings.
7. Refrain from Irregular Immersion Practices
Avoid immersing idols in random lakes, ponds, or rivers. Follow the norms set by your municipality or local authority for immersion to avoid polluting public water bodies.
Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a festival. It is a celebration of devotion, unity, and renewal. By adopting eco-friendly practices and maintaining spiritual discipline, we can make our festivities meaningful and sustainable. Let us welcome Lord Ganesha into our homes and hearts with joy, responsibility, and reverence.
Ganpati Bappa Morya!
