Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 - How to perform Ganesh puja procedure at home

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most eagerly awaited festivals in a year celebrated by the Hindus. Ganesh Chaturti is a 10-day festival that marks the birth of Ganesha, the elephant-headed god. Ganesha, the deity of wisdom and prosperity, is the son of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati. This festival is celebrated with great fanfare, joy, and good food.

Date and Time of Ganesh Chaturthi 2023

On Ganesh Chaturthi Tithi, the Shubh Muhurat to welcome Lord Ganesh to every home starts from 12:39 pm on Monday, 18 September and lasts till 01:43 pm on Tuesday, 19 September 2023.

The most auspicious time to perform the main Ganesh Puja is between 11:01 am and 01:28 pm on Tuesday, 19 September 2023.


Here is a step by step Ganesh Chaturthi puja procedure.

The whole family works as a team to welcome Lord Ganesh

Before the arrival of Ganesh Chaturthi, clean the house and make sure your home is neat and organized. On the day of Ganesh Chaturthi, wake up early in the morning and take a holy bath. Ganesh Chaturthi is a happy and sacred occasion. All the members in the family must share the responsibilities and perform the puja together and seek his blessings.


Getting the Ganesh idol

There are three approaches to planning the puja for Lord Ganesh. Some people use the image, picture, or an idol that they already have in their puja room. Alternatively, you can make an idol yourself with the family members using clay or turmeric. New images or idol (murti) of Ganesh can be bought from the shops and pandals. This is the most popular option used by most households. Every year, people go searching for a new idol that they use for prayers and procedures during this ten-day festival.


Setting up the altar for Lord Ganesh

Make the seating arrangements for Lord Ganesh on a raised platform or the traditional puja altar of the home. Draw rangoli in front of the altar. Spread a nice looking cloth on the pedestal or platform. Place the image/idol of Ganesh at the puja altar.


Ganesh Puja

Light a lamp with gingelly oil or coconut oil. Light incense sticks and gather in front of the altar with the family members.

One can give a holy bath to the idol (if the material of the idol is suitable to permit the water). You can do so using rose water, sandal paste, coconut water, honey, panchamrit, and other materials. Wipe the idol with a clean cloth after the holy bath. Decorate the image of Ganesh with sandal paste, vermilion, clothing, ornaments, flowers, and garlands. Chant the mantras of Ganesh and offer flowers at the base of the image/idol.


Some Ganesh Slokas

1) Vakra Tunda Mahakaya Koti Surya Samaprabha, Nirvighnam Kurume Deva Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada


2) Om Gajaananam Bhuta Ganaadi Sevitam

Kapitta Jambuu Phala Saar Pakshitam

Umasutam Shoka Vinaasha Kaaranam

Namami Vighneshwara Paada Pankajam


3) Shuklambharadharam Vishnum Shashi Varnam Chaturbhujam

Prasanna Vadanam Dhyayet Sarva Vighnopa Shantaye.


4) Om Gam Ganapataye Namah!


Conclusion of the Ganesh Chaturthi puja

Offer prasad and other dishes like modak and ladoos prepared at home for the puja. Offer coconut, fruits and other eatables you have specially brought for Ganesha.

Burn camphor at the altar and sing some Ganesha songs. Seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha. Distribute the prasad among the family members and invitees.


Note: Continue the puja in the morning and evening till you choose to keep the idol in worship following Ganesh Chaturthi. On the day of Visarjan, you can perform the final puja and bid farewell to Lord Ganesh, seeking his return to your home the next year.