Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: India prepares for major celebrations and economic boost

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 is scheduled to begin on September 14, marking the birth of Lord Ganesha. The festival, celebrated with significant fervor across India, includes various regional traditions in states such as Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Major festivities will conclude with Ganesh Visarjan on September 25, known as Anant Chaturdashi.

The festival is driving significant economic activity. Local markets are seeing increased demand for decorations, flowers, sweets like modaks, and eco-friendly clay idols. Advertising expenditures are expected to grow by 10-20%, with a notable shift toward digital media. Retailers like Reliance Digital are also launching festive promotions to capitalize on the season of new beginnings.

In Hyderabad and other Telangana districts, authorities have declared September 14 a general holiday, closing schools and government offices. Additionally, the Hyderabad City Police have mandated that pandal organizers register their celebrations through an online portal. Cultural expressions of the festival include traditional music, dance, and specialized regional songs, such as the newly released Gujarati track ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya’.