Vinayaka Chaturthi

Vinayaka Chaturthi falls on the Shukla (waxing) Chaturthi of each lunar month, complementary to the Krishna-paksha Sankashti Chaturthi. Where Sankashti removes existing troubles, Vinayaka Chaturthi is observed for the blessing of new ventures, learning, and creative work. The vrat is lighter than Sankashti — often observed as a half-day fast till noon, with midday Ganesh puja and prasad distribution.

📅 Upcoming dates

Wednesday, 14 October 2026
Friday, 13 November 2026
Sunday, 13 December 2026
Monday, 11 January 2027
Wednesday, 10 February 2027
Friday, 12 March 2027
Saturday, 10 April 2027
Sunday, 9 May 2027
Tuesday, 8 June 2027
Wednesday, 7 July 2027
Thursday, 5 August 2027
Saturday, 4 September 2027

Dates are worked out from the panchang for New Delhi (IST). A tithi ends at a different hour elsewhere, so in some years the day differs by one.

🔔 Puja Vidhi

Bathe at sunrise, wear clean yellow or red
Perform Shodashopachara puja to Ganesha at midday (Madhyahna)
Offer 21 durva, 21 modaks, red flowers, and sindoor
Read a chapter of Ganesha Purana or recite Ganesh Chalisa
Break fast at noon; distribute modaks to children

📜 Rules

Moon should NOT be viewed on Vinayaka Chaturthi (unlike Sankashti) — classical rule to avoid Mithya Kalanka Dosha
The Bhadrapada Vinayaka Chaturthi is the biggest of the year (Ganesh Chaturthi festival)

Related reading in the Devotional Library

📖 Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat Katha

→

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should moon NOT be viewed?

Classical texts say viewing the moon on Vinayaka Chaturthi (especially Bhadrapada) invites false accusations — the story of Krishna being falsely accused of stealing the Syamantaka jewel originates here.

How is Vinayaka Chaturthi different from Sankashti?

Vinayaka = Shukla paksha (waxing moon, new-venture focus). Sankashti = Krishna paksha (waning moon, obstacle-removal focus). Both are dedicated to Ganesha.