NEW DELHI: Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 is being celebrated with immense religious fervour and grandeur across India, as millions of devotees gathered at mandirs and elaborately decorated pandals to worship Bhagwan Ganesha. From Mumbai’s iconic Lalbaugcha Raja and Jaipur’s Moti Dungri mandir to the historic shrines of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, the festival has once again transformed cities into vibrant centres of devotion, culture and celebration.
While the traditional rituals and spiritual atmosphere remained at the heart of the festivities, celebrations in West Bengal stood out for another reason. Several pandals in Kolkata incorporated contemporary social and political themes, turning the festival into a platform for artistic expression and commentary on issues that have shaped public discourse in the state.
Mumbai witnesses massive turnout at Lalbaugcha Raja
Mumbai, the traditional epicentre of Ganeshotsav, witnessed huge crowds of devotees at the famed Lalbaugcha Raja pandal. Carrying offerings and chanting “Ganpati Bappa Morya”, devotees waited patiently for darshan and the opportunity to seek the blessings of Bhagwan Ganesha.
The 10-day festival has a special place in Maharashtra’s cultural calendar, bringing together people from different sections of society in an atmosphere marked by devotion, music, decoration and community participation. In Nagpur, devotees participated in Mangal Aarti at the Shri Ganesh Mandir Tekdi, marking the beginning of the auspicious celebrations with traditional prayers and rituals.
Jaipur mandir opens its doors for extended darshan
In Rajasthan, thousands of devotees arrived at Jaipur’s renowned Moti Dungri Ganesh mandir from the early hours of Monday. Darshan began at 5 AM with Mangla Aarti and is scheduled to continue until Shayan Aarti at 11:40 PM, giving devotees an opportunity to offer prayers for more than 19 hours.
The mandir witnessed a steady flow of worshippers seeking blessings for prosperity, happiness and the successful beginning of new endeavours.
Devotion spreads across southern India
The festive spirit was equally strong in Tamil Nadu, where thousands of devotees gathered at the historic Karpaga Vinayakar mandir in Pillayarpatti, Sivaganga district.
Worshippers began queuing from the early morning to participate in special prayers and rituals dedicated to Bhagwan Ganesha. The mandir, renowned for its ancient association with Bhagwan Vinayakar, witnessed a special festive atmosphere as devotees marked the occasion with traditional religious observances.
In Bengaluru, Ganeshotsav celebrations added colour to the city, with devotees thronging the Sri Dodda Ganapathi mandir in Basavanagudi for Gauri-Ganesha and Ganesh Chaturthi festivities.
Kolkata pandals reflect contemporary Bengal
While devotion remained central to celebrations in West Bengal, some pandals in Kolkata offered a distinctly contemporary interpretation of the festival. At Baguiati, the Executive Palace Apartment Owners’ Association designed its puja pandal around the theme “Parivartan – Towards a Developed Bengal with a Double Engine Government.”
The installation featured a replica of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital facade, along with models depicting protesting doctors carrying “We Want Justice” placards. These images were juxtaposed with representations of modern infrastructure and industrial development, creating a visual narrative around the themes of public sentiment, change and development.
The pandal reflects how festival spaces in Bengal are increasingly being used by artists and organisers to interpret contemporary events and social concerns through elaborate installations.
Dilip Ghosh calls celebrations a sign of ‘cultural awakening’
Senior BJP leader Dilip Ghosh, who inaugurated a Ganesh Puja celebration at Panihati in North 24 Parganas, said the growing scale of Ganesh Utsav celebrations represented a cultural awakening in the state.
“Change is visible all around in Bengal… this time, the festive season here is beginning with Ganesh Utsav, and the festival is being celebrated with great enthusiasm in every village. Bengal is set to become a ‘New Bengal.’ Prosperity is coming here,” Ghosh said.
Commenting on the themes adopted by artists in Kolkata’s pandals, Ghosh said they were reflecting public sentiment and the state’s transition. He pointed to installations portraying Bengal’s past challenges, including violence and industrial decline, alongside themes of industrialisation, modern infrastructure, bullet trains and improved social order.
The political messaging of some pandals has added another dimension to this year’s celebrations, illustrating how Bengal’s famous tradition of creative puja installations continues to evolve with changing public debates.
President Murmu urges citizens to contribute to nation-building
Amid the nationwide celebrations, President Droupadi Murmu extended warm greetings to citizens in India and across the world on Ganesh Chaturthi. In her message, the President highlighted Bhagwan Ganesha as a symbol of wisdom, prosperity and auspicious beginnings, saying the festival brings energy, knowledge and positivity into people’s lives.
On the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all Indians living in the country and abroad. pic.twitter.com/lHIqQyqpy9
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) September 14, 2026
She called upon citizens to draw inspiration from the festival and dedicate themselves to the larger task of nation-building, while praying for happiness, peace, good health and prosperity for everyone.
PM Modi invokes the ‘Vighnaharta’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended Ganesh Chaturthi greetings to the people of the country, invoking Bhagwan Ganesha as the Vighnaharta, or remover of obstacles.
देशवासियों को गणेश चतुर्थी की अनंत शुभकामनाएं। विघ्नहर्ता के दर्शन और पूजन का यह पावन पर्व सबके जीवन में नई ऊर्जा और नए उत्साह का संचार करे। उनके दिव्य आशीर्वाद से सभी के प्रयास सफल हों और राष्ट्र निरंतर प्रगति के पथ पर आगे बढ़ता रहे, यही कामना है। गणपति बाप्पा मोरया!… pic.twitter.com/5biHnkWHJ4
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 14, 2026
In a post on X, PM Modi prayed that the festival would bring new energy and enthusiasm into people’s lives and that the nation would continue to progress. He also shared verses from the traditional Ganesha Pancharatnam Stotram, adding a spiritual dimension to his festive message.
