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Hindu festival · San Francisco Bay Area

Ganesh Visarjan

Why it matters

This observance centers on Ganesha. Ganesha is revered as the remover of obstacles and patron of auspicious beginnings, wisdom and discernment.

The story behind it

The day is an opportunity to remember the deity’s qualities and associated sacred stories while renewing personal devotional practice.

Prayers and worship

Devotees commonly offer a simple Ganesha pooja, chant “Om Gam Ganapataye Namah,” recite Ganesha Atharvashirsha or Sankashtanashana Stotra, and perform arati.

Fasting and devotional customs

Temple darshan, a simple home pooja, japa, bhajans, charity or a sattvic fast may be observed according to family and sampradaya.

What is typically offered

Durva grass, red flowers, coconut, bananas and modak or other sweets are common offerings.

Visiting a temple that day

Temple practices vary by region and sampradaya. Dress modestly, remove footwear where required, follow priest/volunteer directions, ask before photography, and check the temple’s event page for exact pooja, fasting and prasādam arrangements.

Spiritual themes

Beginnings, wisdom, humility and removal of obstacles.

This date was validated against a location-specific Northern-California Panchāṅgam source. Dates are compiled for the Fremont / Bay Area location and checked against Northern-California Panchāṅgam references. They can differ from a calendar computed for another city or another sampradāya. Please confirm any date on which you plan a ceremony with Sri Kumar Gurukkal. How these dates are calculated →