Ganesh Visarjan 2025: Date, Muhurat & Spiritual Farewell

Ganesh Visarjan 2025: Bidding a Spiritual Farewell

Introduction

Today, September 6, 2025, marks the culmination of the ten-day-long Ganesh Chaturthi festival, a period of immense joy and devotion that transforms the landscape of India, particularly in states like Maharashtra. This final day, known as Ganesh Visarjan or Anant Chaturdashi, is a bittersweet occasion. It is a day of joyous, celebratory processions and a poignant farewell as devotees bid goodbye to their beloved Lord Ganesha, who has resided in their homes and communities for the past several days. This year, the final day of the festival holds even greater significance as it coincides with Anant Chaturdashi, a day dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu in his eternal form. The rituals and traditions associated with Ganesh Visarjan are not just a display of faith but also a powerful reminder of the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth.

The Date and Muhurat: Anant Chaturdashi 2025

Anant Chaturdashi is the day designated for the final immersion of Lord Ganesha's idol. In 2025, this day falls on Saturday, September 6. The Chaturdashi Tithi began on September 6, 2025, at 03:12 AM and will continue until 01:41 AM on September 7, 2025. For devotees who wish to perform the immersion rituals, there are several auspicious timings throughout the day and night.

• Morning Muhurat (Shubha): 07:36 AM to 09:10 AM
• Afternoon Muhurat (Chara, Labha, Amrita): 12:19 PM to 05:02 PM
• Evening Muhurat (Labha): 06:37 PM to 08:02 PM
• Night Muhurat (Shubha, Amrita, Chara): 09:28 PM to 01:45 AM (on September 7)
• Early Morning Muhurat (Labha): 04:36 AM to 06:02 AM (on September 7)

While many families choose to perform Visarjan on the 11th day, it's also a common practice to do so on the 1.5, 3rd, 5th, or 7th day after Ganesh Chaturthi. Regardless of the day, the rituals are carried out with the same level of devotion and adherence to tradition.

The Spiritual Significance of Visarjan

The word "Visarjan" literally means immersion or dissolution. The ritual of Ganesh Visarjan symbolizes the return of Lord Ganesha to his divine abode in Mount Kailash. This act is a powerful spiritual lesson, reminding devotees of the impermanence of all things and the cycle of creation, preservation, and dissolution. Just as the idol is made from the earth and returns to the earth, the ritual signifies that everything that is born must eventually perish, and a new cycle will begin. It is a moment for devotees to reflect on the lessons learned during the ten-day festival and to bid farewell to the physical form of the deity, while retaining his blessings and wisdom in their hearts.

Moreover, it is believed that during the immersion, Lord Ganesha takes with him all the obstacles, sorrows, and negative energies of his devotees. The chant of "Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya" which means "Hail Lord Ganesha, come back soon next year," is a prayer for his swift return and a hopeful plea for a blessed year ahead.

The Visarjan Rituals: A Step-by-Step Guide

Before the grand procession, a series of rituals are performed to bid a proper farewell to the deity.

1. The Final Puja (Uttar Puja): This is the concluding worship ceremony before the immersion. Devotees gather for a final aarti, offering fresh flowers, modaks, and other sweets to the idol. Incense sticks and camphor are lit, and devotional songs are sung to create a spiritually charged atmosphere. This final puja is a heartfelt expression of gratitude for the blessings and prosperity received from Lord Ganesha over the past ten days.
2. The Procession (Visarjan Yatra): This is the most vibrant and public part of the Visarjan. The idol is carefully placed on a decorated vehicle or a palanquin. People take to the streets, dancing and chanting to the rhythmic beats of traditional drums, known as 'dhol-tasha.' The air is filled with chants of "Ganpati Bappa Morya," as thousands of devotees join the procession. It is a collective expression of faith and joy, a final celebration before the tearful farewell.
3. The Immersion (Nimajjanam): The procession culminates at a natural water body like a river, lake, or the sea, or increasingly, at specially constructed artificial ponds. Before the immersion, a final puja is performed at the water's edge. The idol is gently immersed in the water, a symbolic act of returning the deity to his divine home.

The Cultural Impact: Mumbai and Pune

While Ganesh Visarjan is celebrated across India, the festivities in cities like Mumbai and Pune are unparalleled in their grandeur and scale.

• Mumbai: The city of Mumbai is synonymous with Ganesh Chaturthi, and the Visarjan processions here are a global spectacle. The iconic 'Lalbaugcha Raja' and 'Ganesh Galli Morya' attract millions of devotees, and their Visarjan processions last for more than 24 hours. This year, the Mumbai Police has deployed over 21,000 personnel, along with AI technology and drones, to manage the massive crowds and ensure a safe and smooth farewell for the idols. Prominent figures, including Bollywood stars such as Malaika Arora, Shilpa Shetty, and Janhvi Kapoor, and business tycoons like Mukesh and Nita Ambani, have been seen offering their prayers at these famous pandals.
• Pune: Known as the cultural capital of Maharashtra, Pune's Ganesh Visarjan is led by the 'Manache Ganpati' (Ganesh idols of honour), which include Kasba Ganpati and Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati. The processions in Pune are known for their discipline and rich cultural heritage. This year, the procession led by Kasba Ganpati commenced at 9:30 AM, with the city's most famous idol, Dagdusheth Ganpati, beginning its journey later. The city's authorities have set up artificial immersion tanks along the Mutha river to promote eco-friendly Visarjan.

The Rise of Eco-Friendly Visarjan

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the environmental impact of traditional Ganesh Visarjan. The use of plaster of Paris (PoP) idols and chemical-based paints has been a major concern, as they pollute water bodies and harm aquatic life. In response, a significant movement towards eco-friendly Visarjan has gained momentum.

• Clay Idols: Devotees are increasingly opting for idols made from natural clay and painted with organic, water-soluble colors. These idols dissolve easily in water, leaving no harmful residue.
• Artificial Ponds: Many cities, including Mumbai and Pune, have created artificial immersion tanks and ponds to prevent the pollution of natural water bodies. These tanks allow for the safe and respectful immersion of idols, with the remains being recycled.
• Home Visarjan: A number of families have also embraced the practice of symbolic Visarjan, where the idol is immersed in a bucket of water at home, and the resulting clay-rich water is used to nourish plants.

Conclusion

Ganesh Visarjan 2025 is not just an event; it's an experience that encapsulates the spirit of devotion, community, and cultural tradition. It is a moment of heartfelt goodbye and a hopeful anticipation of new beginnings. The aarti, the chants, the music, and the tears of farewell all come together to create a powerful and emotional journey. As the idols are immersed, and the chants of "Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya" echo through the air, devotees are reminded that while the physical form may depart, the blessings of Lord Ganesha remain forever in their hearts. The spiritual journey of the last ten days culminates in this profound act of letting go, with the promise of a reunion next year