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Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Date, puja timings, moon sighting rules explained
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, marks the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the harbinger of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. In 2025, the festival will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 27, with the main Madhyahna Puja Muhurat from 11:05 pm to 01:40 pm in New Delhi, lasting for 2 hours and 34 VISARJAN DATE & TIMINGSThe 10-day Ganeshotsav concludes on Saturday, September 6, 2025, with Ganesh Visarjan on Anant Sighting Avoidance (Previous Day – Aug 26): 01:54 pm to 08:29 pm
Moon Sighting Avoidance (Festival Day – Aug 27): 09:28 am to 08:57 pmIMPORTANCE OF MADHYAHNA PUJAMadhyahna Kala, equivalent to midday, is considered the most auspicious time for Ganapati Sthapana and Ganapati Puja. According to Vedic traditions, the day is divided into five parts — Pratahkala, Sangava, Madhyahna, Aparahna, and Sayankal. As Lord Ganesha is believed to have been born during Madhyahna, performing the Puja during this period ensures the highest spiritual LEGEND OF MOON SIGHTING PROHIBITIONAccording to Puranic legends, it is considered inauspicious to sight the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi, as it can lead to Mithya Dosha a false accusation or dishonour. The story goes that Lord Krishna was once accused of stealing the Syamantaka jewel after sighting the moon on this day. Sage Narada explained that Lord Ganesha had cursed the moon for arrogance, decreeing that anyone who saw it on Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi would face false FOR MITHYA DOSHAIf someone accidentally sees the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi, they can chant a Mithya Dosha Nivaran Mantra to counter the ill effects. The moon sighting prohibition may sometimes span two days depending on the start and end of Chaturthi CHATURTHI ACROSS INDIAWhile the essence of Ganesh Chaturthi remains the same, the Madhyahna Puja timings differ across cities in 2025:Mumbai – 11:24 am to 01:55 PMPune – 11:21 am to 01:51 pmChennai – 10:56 am to 01:25 pmKolkata – 10:22 am to 12:54 pmBengaluru – 11:07 am to 01:36 pmGanesh Chaturthi is more than a religious occasion; it is a cultural celebration uniting millions in devotion and joy. Observing rituals at the correct Muhurat, avoiding prohibited moon sighting, and embracing the spirit of togetherness make the festival truly auspicious.- Ends
