Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: An Auspicious Start

Welcoming Bappa Home: The Right Way

New Delhi, August 26, 2025: Ganesh Chaturthi draws near, homes across the country are being prepared for the arrival of Lord Ganesha’s idol. This year, the festivities are set to begin on Wednesday, August 27, with the auspicious Chaturthi Tithi starting on the afternoon of August 26. The installation of the idol, a sacred ceremony known as Sthapana, is to be performed with devotion and adherence to traditional practices to ensure a blessed and prosperous period.

The process of bringing the Ganesha idol home is considered a sacred act, and certain rituals are to be followed for a spiritually enriching experience. First and foremost, the puja area must be thoroughly cleaned and purified. A raised platform, or a small table, should be prepared and covered with a clean, new cloth, often in auspicious colours like red or yellow. This is done to show respect and to ensure that the idol is never placed directly on the floor.

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The idol itself should be chosen with care. In recent years, a strong emphasis has been placed on selecting eco-friendly idols made from natural clay. These idols dissolve easily during immersion, thereby causing minimal harm to water bodies. The idol’s posture and a trunk that curves to the left are generally considered auspicious for a peaceful and harmonious home environment, while a seated position symbolizes stability. The idol should also be complete with its traditional elements, including a modak (sweet dumpling) and a mouse, which represent abundance and humility, respectively.

The idol’s placement within the home is also a matter of great importance and is often guided by Vastu Shastra. The best direction for the idol is considered to be the northeast corner of the house. The idol should face either east or west to facilitate the flow of positive energy. The Madhyahna Muhurat, which falls between 11:05 AM and 1:40 PM on August 27, is the most auspicious time for the idol’s installation, as it is believed that Lord Ganesha was born during this period.

While devotion is paramount, certain mistakes should be avoided to prevent the disruption of positive energy and to maintain the sanctity of the ritual. One of the most common errors is the placement of the idol in inappropriate locations. Areas such as bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, or under staircases are considered to be inauspicious and are to be avoided. The space must be kept clean, clutter-free, and respectful.

Another mistake that is often made is the use of idols made from Plaster of Paris (POP). These idols, while often beautiful and affordable, do not dissolve easily and contain harmful chemicals that can pollute rivers and lakes during immersion. It is also advised that more than one Ganesha idol should not be placed in the same room, as this is believed to cause a conflict of energies.

Additionally, the area around the idol should not be crowded with excessive decorations or other idols. A simple, serene space is ideal for worship. Lastly, it is important that the idol is not neglected once installed. Daily prayers, aartis, and fresh offerings of flowers and sweets, especially Ganesha’s favourite modaks, are to be made to keep the atmosphere filled with devotion and positive vibrations throughout the ten-day festival.