Anant Chaturdashi 2026: The festival of Anant Chaturdashi holds great significance in Hinduism. On the *Chaturdashi* (fourteenth day) of the *Shukla Paksha* (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Bhadrapada, the 'Anant' (infinite) form of Lord Vishnu is worshipped; hence, this day is known as Anant Chaturdashi. The ten-day-long Ganesh Utsav (Ganesh festival) also concludes on this day. Observing the Anant Chaturdashi fast is believed to bring infinite happiness and cleanse one of sins. On this day, after worshipping Lord Anant, a sacred thread known as the 'Anant Sutra'—featuring fourteen knots—is tied.

Anant Chaturdashi 2026: Date and Auspicious Timing
This year, Anant Chaturdashi will be celebrated on Friday, September 25. The auspicious time for worshipping Lord Anant extends from 6:28 AM to 11:06 PM. The timing for Ganesh Visarjan (immersion) on Anant Chaturdashi begins at 6:11 AM.

Anant Chaturdashi 2026: Worship Rituals
On Anant Chaturdashi, the 'Anant Sutra'—which offers protection against adversities—is tied after worshipping Lord Anant.
The Anant Sutra must have fourteen knots; these knots are associated with the fourteen *Lokas* (worlds/realms of existence).
On Anant Chaturdashi, take a morning bath and make a solemn vow (*Sankalp*) to observe the fast. Scriptures prescribe performing this vow and the worship ritual on the banks of a holy river or lake.

However, if this is not possible, one may install a *Kalash* (sacred pot) on a clean spot in the home's prayer area. Place an idol or picture of Lord Vishnu—depicted reclining on the serpent Sheshnag—upon the *Kalash*.

Place the Anant Sutra (with its fourteen knots) before the deity. Subsequently, worship Lord Vishnu and the Anant Sutra using the *Shodashopachara* method (a ritual involving sixteen steps of offering) while chanting the mantra 'Om Anantayanamah'.

After the worship, while reciting the mantra, men should tie the Anant Sutra on their right arm and women on their left arm. Once the thread is tied, offer the prepared *Naivedya* (food offering) to a Brahmin, and then partake of the *Prasad* with your family.

Significance of Anant Chaturdashi
It is said that when the Pandavas were suffering in exile after losing their entire kingdom in a game of dice, Lord Krishna advised them to observe the Anant Chaturdashi fast. Dharmaraj Yudhishthira, along with his brothers and Draupadi, observed this fast with full ritualistic devotion and wore the 'Anant Sutra' (a sacred thread). Through the power of the Anant Chaturdashi fast, the Pandavas were liberated from all their troubles.

Conclusion of Ganesh Utsav
Anant Chaturdashi also marks the conclusion of the ten-day Ganesh Utsav, which begins on Ganesh Chaturthi. The idols of Lord Ganesha, installed in homes and *pandals* (marquees), are immersed in water.

PC Social Media