New Delhi:
After being welcomed into homes across the country on Ganesh Chaturthi, Lord Ganesha is now beginning to bid farewell to his devotees. The immersion of one-and-a-half-day Ganpati idols will take place today, September 15, 2026. Devotees will perform prayers and rituals before respectfully immersing the idol of Lord Ganesha.
According to the Vedic Panchang, Ganesh Chaturthi was celebrated on September 14, 2026, when devotees installed Lord Ganesha idols in their homes and public pandals. Following their family traditions, some devotees keep Lord Ganesha at home for one and a half days before performing the immersion the following day.
If you also have a one-and-a-half-day Ganpati idol at home, it is important to know the auspicious timings and key rituals to follow before the immersion.
Highlights
- September 15, 2026 is the immersion day for one-and-a-half-day Ganpati idols.
- Auspicious periods are observed during the morning, afternoon, evening and night.
- Perform proper puja and aarti before the immersion.
- Taking a bath and wearing clean, sattvic clothes is considered auspicious.
- Devotees are traditionally advised to avoid black clothing and tamasic food during the immersion rituals.
Why Are One-and-a-Half-Day Ganpati Idols Immersed Today?
After installing Lord Ganesha on Ganesh Chaturthi, different families keep the deity at home for different durations according to their traditions and beliefs.
Some devotees keep Ganpati for one and a half days, while others worship the deity for three, five, seven, ten or more days. Under the one-and-a-half-day tradition, Lord Ganesha is installed on Chaturthi and immersed the following day.
This is why preparations are underway for the immersion of one-and-a-half-day Ganpati idols on September 15.
Perform Special Puja Before the Immersion
Ganpati Visarjan is not simply considered the act of immersing an idol in water. It is traditionally viewed as a respectful farewell to Lord Ganesha.
Before the immersion, devotees should perform the prescribed puja. Offer flowers, durva grass, modaks and other prasad to Lord Ganesha. Perform the aarti afterwards and pray for the happiness, prosperity and well-being of the family.
All family members can participate in the prayers and seek Lord Ganesha’s blessings with devotion.
Auspicious Timings for Ganpati Visarjan
Different auspicious periods are traditionally considered for the immersion of one-and-a-half-day Ganpati idols. It is preferable to select the timing according to the Panchang applicable to your local city, as auspicious timings can vary by location by several minutes.
The following periods are generally considered for Visarjan:
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
- Night
If your family follows a particular tradition or local Panchang, the immersion timing should be decided accordingly.
What Should You Keep in Mind Before Visarjan?
Devotees traditionally follow certain religious practices and customs on the day of Ganpati Visarjan.
1. Take a Bath and Wear Clean Clothes
Take a bath before the immersion and wear clean clothes. Purity of body and mind is traditionally given special importance during puja and Visarjan rituals.
2. Follow a Sattvic Diet
There is a tradition of avoiding tamasic food and consuming a sattvic diet on this day. Devotees are generally advised to stay away from alcohol, non-vegetarian food and other forms of tamasic consumption.
3. Avoid Wearing Black Clothes
According to traditional religious beliefs, devotees are advised to avoid black clothing during Ganpati puja and Visarjan. Clean clothes in auspicious colours may be preferred.
4. Perform Ganpati Aarti
Perform Lord Ganesha’s aarti before taking the idol for immersion. Family members can come together to seek Ganpati Bappa’s blessings.
5. Immerse the Idol Respectfully
Do not rush the immersion process. Bid farewell to Ganpati Bappa with respect, devotion and dignity.
What Should You Chant During Ganpati Visarjan?
During the immersion procession, devotees traditionally chant “Ganpati Bappa Morya, Agle Baras Tu Jaldi Aa”. The chant expresses devotion and the wish for Lord Ganesha to return again the following year.
Take Care of the Environment
Environmental protection should also be kept in mind during Ganpati Visarjan. Wherever possible, use a natural and eco-friendly idol and follow the instructions of the local administration by using designated immersion sites or artificial immersion ponds.
Avoid throwing flowers, plastic, decorative materials and other non-biodegradable items into water bodies. Puja materials should preferably be disposed of separately at designated locations.
Ganpati Bappa Will Return Next Year
Although Ganpati Visarjan marks the farewell of Lord Ganesha, for devotees it also represents the hope of welcoming him back the following year. After being worshipped at home for one and a half days, devotees will bid farewell to Ganpati Bappa today with faith, devotion and emotion.
Ganpati Bappa Morya, Agle Baras Tu Jaldi Aa!
