Anant Chaturdashi – the Last Day of Ganesh Festivities
If you’ve ever watched a Ganesh idol being taken to a river, you’ve seen Anant Chaturdashi in action. It’s the day when the fun of Ganesh Chaturthi ends with a beautiful goodbye. Families gather, chant prayers, and walk their idols to water bodies for a ritual called Visarjan. The vibe is a mix of joy and a little sadness – saying goodbye to the deity you just invited into your home.
What is Anant Chaturdashi?
The word "Anant" means infinite, and the day marks the belief that Lord Ganesha returns to his celestial home, taking his blessings with him. It falls on the 10th day after Ganesh Chaturthi, usually in September or October. While the main focus is on the Visarjan ceremony, you’ll also find regional customs that add color to the day. In some places, people prepare special sweets like modak or keep small lamps burning till the evening.
Another interesting part is the community spirit. Streets fill with music, drums, and chants. Kids carry small lanterns and adults share stories about Ganesha’s wisdom. Even the food changes – many families cook light meals that are easy to clean up after the water rituals.
How to Celebrate Anant Chaturdashi
First thing, plan your Visarjan spot early. Whether it’s a river, lake, or a community pool, check if it’s allowed and clean. Bring a small bucket of water for washing the idol before the final dip – it’s a sign of respect. If you can’t reach a water body, many temples set up temporary tanks for the ritual.
Next, gather the essentials: the idol, a cloth to cover it, some flowers, incense sticks, and a bowl of sweets for the deity. As you walk, sing simple chants like "Om Gan Ganapataye Namah" – you don’t need to be a pro, just speak from the heart.
After the dip, let the idol dry on a clean sheet. Many families keep a tiny piece of the idol as a memory or toss the remaining clay into the soil, believing it brings good luck. Finally, end the day with a simple meal – something light like khichdi or curd rice – and share the leftovers with neighbors.
Remember, Anant Chaturdashi isn’t just about the goodbye. It’s a reminder that every ending carries a promise of new beginnings. By following these easy steps, you can make the day meaningful without any hassle. Happy Visarjan!
Anant Chaturdashi 2025: Rituals, Muhurat, and Ganesh Visarjan on a Day of Renewal
Anant Chaturdashi falls today, Saturday, September 6, 2025, bringing together worship of Lord Vishnu and the final immersion of Ganpati idols. The Chaturdashi Tithi runs from 3:12 AM (Sep 6) to 1:41 AM (Sep 7), with a broad puja window from 6:02 AM to 1:41 AM. Key rituals include tying the Anant Sutra, observing the Anant Vrat, and family worship—seen as a path to peace, prosperity, and protection.
Sep 7 2025
