Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganeshotsav, is an eagerly awaited Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the deity of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. Celebrations are set to begin tomorrow, August 27, 2025, with grand festivities planned across India and in Indian communities worldwide.

The festival is particularly significant in states like Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, where it is observed with immense devotion and includes grand pujas, community gatherings, and cultural events. The celebrations involve bringing home beautifully crafted Ganesha idols, offering prayers, and performing rituals. The Ganeshotsav ends after 10 days on Anant Chaturdashi, also known as Ganesh Visarjan day, when devotees immerse the idol of Lord Ganesh in a body of water after a street procession. This year, Ganesh Visarjan will be on September 6, 2025.

The question of whether schools will be closed for Ganesh Chaturthi on August 27, 2025, is dependent on the state government's announcements and the policies of individual schools or school boards. There is no uniform national holiday for Ganesh Chaturthi across India. However, states where Ganesh Chaturthi holds significant cultural importance are more likely to observe school closures. Traditionally, states like Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh observe Ganesh Chaturthi with a public holiday, often including school closures. Students and parents should check with their schools or monitor notifications from state education departments to stay updated.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 begins on Wednesday, August 27, with the Chaturthi Tithi starting on August 26 at 1:54 PM and ending on August 27 at 3:44 PM. The Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat, considered the most auspicious time for Ganesha Puja, will be from 11:05 AM to 1:40 PM on August 27.

A unique tradition during Ganesh Chaturthi is avoiding sighting the moon, known as Chandra Darshan. It is believed that sighting the moon on this day can lead to false accusations. In 2025, devotees are advised to avoid looking at the moon between 1:54 PM and 8:29 PM on August 26 and between 9:28 AM and 8:57 PM on August 27.

The festival gained its current community-centric form in the late 19th century when freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak encouraged large public celebrations in Maharashtra. This united people against colonial rule and established the festival's importance as a religious and cultural event. The 10-day celebration is believed to have originated during the Maratha era by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. In 1893, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak revived the custom as a public gathering to foster unity during the British colonial era in India.

Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a religious event but also a celebration of unity, culture, and tradition. As the festival approaches, devotees are preparing to welcome Lord Ganesha with great enthusiasm and devotion.