6th

Bhadrapada

భద్రపద

Telugu

Aug 13–Sep 12 Lunar Virgo (♍)

Major Festivals

Ganesh Chaturthi

గణేష చతుర్థి

Aug 22–Sep 1

Birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha (remover of obstacles, patron of beginnings). Celebrated with clay idol worship, modak (sweet dumpling) offerings, and immersion ceremonies. Major festival in Maharashtra and across India.

Bhagavad Gita Jayanti

భగవద్గీత జయంతి

Mid Dec or matches Gita Jayanti (lunar date)

In some traditions, commemorates Krishna's teaching of the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the Kurukshetra battlefield.

Auspicious Days for Rituals & Events

✓ Bhadrapada Pournami (Full moon) — Sanskrit name: 'good luck and prosperity month'

✓ Thursdays — ruled by Jupiter, auspicious for wisdom and learning

About Bhadrapada

Bhadrapada celebrates Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and lord of beginnings. Ganesh Chaturthi is the focal festival, with families creating temporary clay idols of Ganesha, offering prayers, and performing immersion ceremonies. The month (Virgo energy) emphasizes intellectual clarity, discernment, and removal of obstacles. Ganesha is invoked before all Hindu rites and is highly revered in South India (especially in Karnataka and Telangana). Bhadrapada Pournami brings auspiciousness and prosperity. Many individuals undertake new ventures post-Ganesh Chaturthi as obstacles are philosophically removed. Diaspora Hindu professionals time project launches, job interviews, and major decisions for the post-Ganesh period. Families celebrate with modak exchanges, elephant-shaped sweets, and virtual Ganesha pujas connecting Indian grandparents with diaspora grandchildren via IST-timed video ceremonies.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Ganesh Chaturthi 2026?

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 falls on August 22, 2026 (Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi lunar date). The exact date shifts yearly. The festival lasts 10 days, culminating in Ganesh Visarjan (immersion of the idol in water), which falls 10 days later (around September 1, 2026).

Why is Ganesha the first deity in Hindu worship?

Ganesha, with his elephant head, is the remover of obstacles (Vighnaharta) and the lord of beginnings. Hindu tradition dictates that before any ritual, worship, or endeavor, Ganesha is invoked first to ensure smooth execution and remove hindrances. Whether starting a business, entering school, or conducting prayer, Ganesha's blessings are sought. This is why he enjoys universal reverence across all Hindu communities and sects.

How do diaspora Hindus celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi?

Diaspora families install clay Ganesha idols at home or participate in neighborhood Ganesh pandals (temporary structures). Prepare modak (sweet steamed dumplings—Ganesha's favorite) and coconut laddoos. Many participate in collective immersion ceremonies in rivers or designated water bodies. Virtual pujas connect diaspora devotees with temples in India. The 10-day festival provides a cultural anchor for children born abroad, reinforcing Hindu identity through music, rituals, and community participation.

View Bhadrapada in Other Languages

Tamil Hindi Kannada Gujarati Rajasthani