Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Vidhi (Sthapana & Visarjan)

How to install, worship, and immerse a Ganesha idol at home.

आवश्यक पूजा सामग्री (Required Samagri)

  • A clay Ganesha idol (eco-friendly, unpainted clay is traditional and immersion-friendly)
  • A clean platform decorated with flowers and rangoli
  • Red cloth, roli, chandan, akshat, durva grass (an essential offering for Ganesha)
  • Modak or laddoo for prasad
  • Incense, diya, and camphor for aarti

पूजा विधि क्रम (Step-by-Step Procedure)

  1. Choose an auspicious time (muhurat) for Sthapana — installing the idol — typically on Ganesh Chaturthi morning.
  2. Place the idol facing a clean, decorated platform, ideally facing east or north.
  3. Perform Pran Pratishtha, inviting Ganesha's presence into the idol, followed by bathing/purifying the idol if it's a durable material.
  4. Offer roli, chandan, akshat, flowers, and durva grass (offered in pairs, as is traditional).
  5. Offer modak or laddoo as prasad, and perform the Ganesh aarti.
  6. Continue daily aarti and offerings for as long as the idol remains installed (commonly 1.5, 5, 7, or 11 days).
  7. On the chosen day, perform a final aarti and take the idol in a procession for Visarjan — immersion in a river, lake, sea, or a large tub of water at home for eco-friendly immersion.