Pune: The festive season of Ganeshotsav is set to begin on Saturday (September 7), with auspicious timings for the pratishthapan (installation) of Ganesh idols starting from 4:40 AM to 1:51 PM on Ganesh Chaturthi.
Devotees are encouraged to install their household idols during this window, while public mandals can perform installations even after noon.
This year's Ganeshotsav will be celebrated for eleven days, an extension from the usual ten days. The festival will kick off on Friday (September 6) with Hartalika Puja, where women traditionally worship a sand Shivling and observe a fast. On the following day, Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations will be in full swing across the country.
Mohan Date from 'Date Panchangkarte' advises that households can perform the installation and worship of Ganapati idols from the early Brahma Muhurta at 4:50 AM up to 1:51 PM without the need to check specific astrological charts or avoid inauspicious periods.
Sarvajanik (Public) Ganeshotsav Mandals have the flexibility to install idols post-noon as well.
The length of Ganeshotsav varies, with some families observing it for one and a half days, five days, or seven days, while others celebrate until Anant Chaturdashi. Daily worship and Aarti of Ganapati should be performed both in the morning and evening throughout the festival.
As per religious guidelines, temporary Ganesh idols installed on Ganesh Chaturthi should be immersed in water, with clay or Shadu idols preferred for their ability to dissolve completely.
Ganesh Visarjan
This year, Anant Chaturdashi, the day of Ganesh idol immersion, will be observed on Tuesday (September 17), marking the eleventh day after installation. Although the Chaturdashi Tithi ends at 11:45 AM, immersions can continue afterward. Next year's Ganesh Chaturthi will occur on August 27.
Gauri (Mahalakshmi) Rituals
Gauri (Mahalakshmi) invocation can be performed on Tuesday, September 10, until 8:04 PM under the Anuradha Nakshatra. Gauri Puja should follow the usual customs on Wednesday (September 11) with Gauri Visarjan scheduled for Thursday (September 12) by 9:53 PM under the Mula Nakshatra.