The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated across the country with devotion and enthusiasm. Devotees install idols of Ganpati Bappa in their homes and *pandals* (marquees), worshipping Him with prescribed rituals for ten days. Subsequently, on the day of Anant Chaturdashi, Bappa is given an emotional farewell, a ceremony known as Ganesh Visarjan (immersion). According to religious belief, through this immersion, Lord Ganesh takes away the devotees' troubles and obstacles while blessing them with happiness and prosperity. Just as the auspicious timing is significant for the installation of Ganpati, observing the correct *muhurat* (auspicious time) for the immersion is also considered auspicious. Let us learn about the auspicious date and timing for Ganesh Visarjan from Acharya Anand Bhardwaj of Ujjain.

According to the Vedic *Panchang* (almanac), the Chaturdashi *Tithi* (lunar day) of the *Shukla Paksha* (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Bhadrapada begins at 11:18 PM on September 24 and concludes at 11:06 PM on September 25. Based on the *Udaya Tithi* (the lunar day prevailing at sunrise), Anant Chaturdashi falls on Friday, September 25.

**Multiple Auspicious Timings for Ganesh Visarjan Throughout the Day**

According to the Vedic *Drik Panchang*, a combination of *Char*, *Labh*, and *Amrit Choghadiya* (auspicious time segments) will prevail from 6:11 AM to 10:42 PM on that day; this period is considered auspicious for the immersion. Following this, the *Shubh Choghadiya* will be in effect from 12:13 PM to 1:43 PM. In the evening, the *Char Choghadiya* will occur between 4:44 PM and 6:14 PM. Additionally, the immersion can also be performed during the *Labh Choghadiya* period from 9:14 PM to 10:42 PM.

**Ritual for Idol Immersion**

After bathing in the morning, meditate on Lord Ganesh and clean the place of worship. Spread a clean yellow or red cloth on the ceremonial platform (*chowki*), draw a *Swastika* symbol, and place *Akshat* (unbroken rice grains) on it. Before the immersion, perform the final worship of Ganpati: bathe the idol, dress it in new clothes, and apply a *Kumkum* (vermilion) *tilak*. Offer *Durva* grass, flowers, *Modaks*, and *Laddus* as *Bhog* (sacred offering). Chant Ganesh mantras, such as ‘Om Gam Ganapataye Namah’, and recite the Ganesh Stotra. Perform the *Aarti* of Lord Ganesha together with all family members. Before immersing the idol in water, chant the slogan: ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya, Agle Baras Tu Jaldi Aa’ (Lord Ganpati, come back soon next year).

Chant these mantras during Ganesh Visarjan:
1. ‘Om Gam Ganapataye Namah’
This is the most common and simple mantra dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It removes obstacles from life, and chanting it brings peace to the mind.
2. ‘Om Ekadantaya Vighnavinashaya Dhimahi Tanno Dantih Prachodayat’
Chanting this mantra pleases Lord Ganesha and fulfills all the wishes of his devotees.

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