Ganesh Puja

Lord Ganesh is worshipped at the start of new ventures, ceremonies and festivals. In Mumbai and Thane, Ganesh Chaturthi is a major festival, and many families also observe Sankashti Chaturthi monthly. This page explains the puja in general, and the steps for a home puja.

Who it is for

Families planning Ganesh Chaturthi at home, those starting something new, or those wanting to do a simple puja before a milestone such as griha pravesh.

Occasions

• Ganesh Chaturthi: annual festival with installation of an idol and visarjan.
• Sankashti Chaturthi: monthly observance, often with fasting and moonrise prayers.
• Before new beginnings: a business, a move, a marriage.

Simple steps of a home puja

1. Clean the place and prepare the altar.
2. Sankalp (statement of intent).
3. Invocation and offering of flowers, durva grass, modak or sweets and incense.
4. Chanting of mantras or reading of the Ganesh Atharvashirsha.
5. Aarti and prasad.

Practical points for city homes

• Many societies have rules on idol size, immersion and noise. Please check.
• Eco-friendly idols and home or artificial-tank immersion are increasingly used. Follow your civic body's current guidelines.
• Choose the installation time from the Panchang. See Panchang.

Who performs it

Sansthaan guides you through the puja and, where you wish, can connect you with a qualified priest. Many families also perform it themselves.

Limitations

Devotional practice only. No outcomes are promised.

FAQs