A fire ritual offered to Lord Ganesha, traditionally performed before new beginnings to seek the removal of obstacles.
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Lord Ganesha
Ganesh Puja
Worship of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, traditionally offered before new beginnings and at the start of every major ritual.
In-person Online available1 to 2 hoursAlso: Ganapati PujaAlso: Vinayaka Puja
Overview
What is Ganesh Puja?
Ganesh Puja is the worship of Lord Ganesha, honoured across Hindu traditions as Vighnaharta, the remover of obstacles, and Pratham Pujya, the one worshipped first. In almost every Vedic and Puranic ritual, a short Ganesh Pujan is performed at the very start, so that the ceremony that follows proceeds without hindrance.
As a standalone puja, it is commonly performed on Chaturthi tithis, on Wednesdays, during Ganesh Chaturthi in Bhadrapada, and before new ventures such as moving house, opening a shop, starting studies or setting out on a journey. The vidhi usually includes avahan (invocation), shodashopachara (sixteen offerings), recitation of the Ganapati Atharvashirsha and names of Ganesha, and aarti.
Offerings such as durva grass, red flowers, modak and laddoo are closely associated with Ganesha. Customs vary between families and regions, and the Pandit will follow your family's practice wherever you share it.
वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ।
निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा॥
Vakratuṇḍa mahākāya sūryakoṭi samaprabha, nirvighnaṁ kuru me deva sarvakāryeṣu sarvadā.
Significance
In the Puranic tradition, Ganesha is the son of Shiva and Parvati and the lord of the ganas. He is associated with buddhi (intellect), siddhi (accomplishment) and auspicious beginnings, which is why his name is invoked before writing, business, study and holy ceremonies alike.
The Ganapati Atharvashirsha, a Sanskrit hymn from the Atharvaveda tradition, describes Ganesha as the embodiment of the supreme reality. Devotees associate his worship with clarity of mind, patience and a steady start to whatever they are about to undertake.
Who performs it
- Families beginning something new, such as a home, business, course of study or journey
- Devotees observing Ganesh Chaturthi, Vinayaka Chaturthi or Sankashti Chaturthi
- Anyone who wishes to begin a larger ritual or family event with Ganesha's blessings
- Students and professionals before examinations, interviews or important undertakings
When to perform
- Ganesh Chaturthi (Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi) and the days of the festival that follow
- Monthly Vinayaka Chaturthi (Shukla paksha) or Sankashti Chaturthi (Krishna paksha)
- Wednesdays, which are traditionally associated with Ganesha
- Before griha pravesh, business openings, weddings and other auspicious events
- On a muhurat suggested by the Pandit based on your family's calendar
Traditionally associated with
- Traditionally performed to seek the removal of obstacles before a new beginning
- Devotees associate Ganesha's worship with wisdom, focus and clear decision-making
- Believed to bring an auspicious start to family events and undertakings
- Offers a calm, shared moment of prayer for the whole household
- Considered a respectful way to honour Ganesha as Pratham Pujya before other rituals
These are traditional beliefs associated with the ritual. Pujas are acts of devotion and are not a substitute for medical, financial or professional advice.
How the puja is performed
- 1
Purification and preparation
The space is cleaned, a chowki is set with a red or yellow cloth, and the idol or picture of Ganesha is placed facing the devotees, with a kalash and diya.
- 2
Sankalp
The Pandit takes a sankalp in the name of the family, mentioning gotra, date, place and the intention for the puja.
- 3
Avahan and pranapratishtha
Ganesha is invoked into the idol or image with Vedic mantras. For a new clay idol, a short pranapratishtha may be performed as per custom.
- 4
Shodashopachara puja
Sixteen traditional offerings are made, including water, panchamrit snan, vastra, sandalwood, sindoor, durva grass, red flowers, incense and lamp.
- 5
Path and naam japa
The Ganapati Atharvashirsha, Ganesh stotras or the 108 names of Ganesha are recited, often with the mantra Om Gan Ganapataye Namah.
- 6
Naivedya
Modak, laddoo, fruits and other prasad are offered to Ganesha with devotion.
- 7
Aarti and prarthana
The family performs aarti together, followed by pushpanjali and a prayer for forgiveness of any omissions in the worship.
The exact vidhi varies by region and family tradition, your Pandit will follow your customs.
Samagri (puja materials)
- Ganesha idol or framed picture
- Red or yellow cloth for the chowki
- Kalash with mango leaves and a coconut
- Durva grass (traditionally 21 blades)
- Red flowers and a garland
- Sindoor, roli, haldi and akshat (unbroken rice)
- Sandalwood paste
- Janeu (holy thread)
- Panchamrit (milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar)
- Modak or laddoo for naivedya
- Seasonal fruits and betel leaves with supari
- Ghee diya, cotton wicks and camphor
- Incense sticks (agarbatti)
- Ganga jal
Samagri can be arranged on request. We'll share a list suited to your vidhi before the day.
What's included
Usually included
- Experienced Pandit for the Ganesh Puja
- Sankalp in your family's name and gotra
- Guidance on samagri and preparation before the day
- Vidhi as per tradition, including Atharvashirsha or stotra path and aarti
- Help choosing a suitable muhurat
Not included
- Samagri and idol, unless arranged on request
- Prasad and bhog items unless arranged in advance
- Travel beyond the service area
- Venue, pandal or decoration
- Dakshina customs, which vary by family and are discussed openly
Duration: 1 to 2 hours. Inclusions are confirmed for your booking on WhatsApp.
In-person puja
A Pandit performs the ritual at your home, office or chosen venue in Varanasi or Hyderabad. We help with muhurat, samagri and preparation.
Online puja
- · Share your name, gotra and intention for the puja on WhatsApp
- · The Pandit performs the sankalp in your family's name
- · Join the puja live on a video call and take part in the aarti from home
Available in
More cities are coming soon.
Ganesh Puja across regions
The same ritual goes by different names in different traditions. Whichever name your family uses, we can help.
- Ganapati Pooja
- Marathi
- Vinayaka Chavithi Pooja
- Telugu
- Vinayagar Pooja
- Tamil
- Ganesha Pooje
- Kannada
- Ganapathi Pooja
- Malayali
- Ganesh Pujan
- Hindi
- Ganesh Pooja
- Spelling variant
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Ganesh Puja FAQs
How much does a Ganesh Puja cost?
It depends on the vidhi, the number of Pandits, samagri and the location. Share your details on WhatsApp and we will get you a clear quote.
Can Ganesh Puja be done at home?
Yes. Ganesh Puja is very commonly performed at home on a clean chowki. A small idol or picture, a kalash and simple offerings are enough to begin.
Why is durva grass offered to Ganesha?
Durva is traditionally considered dear to Ganesha, and Puranic stories connect it with soothing him. Many families offer 21 blades, though customs vary.
Can I book the puja online if I live abroad?
Yes. The Pandit performs the sankalp in your name and you join by video call. We schedule around your timezone.
Is Ganesh Puja only done during Ganesh Chaturthi?
No. It can be performed on any auspicious day, especially Chaturthi tithis and Wednesdays, and before any new beginning.
Related
Rituals often explored alongside Ganesh Puja
Worship of Goddess Lakshmi, associated with prosperity and auspiciousness, most widely performed on Diwali evening and on Fridays.
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Details Book now
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Share your preferred date, location and family customs on WhatsApp. We'll confirm Pandit availability and pricing before you book.