Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday, 14 September 2026, extended greetings to the nation on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, drawing on the festival's historic association with unity, harmony, and collective resolve. Both leaders used the occasion to connect the celebration's roots in the freedom movement with its contemporary relevance.

What the Leaders Said

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, posted on social media platform X: “Heartfelt wishes to all on Shri Ganesh Chaturthi. I hope this auspicious festival removes all your obstacles and brings happiness into your life.”

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge invoked the legacy of freedom fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who transformed Ganeshotsav from a private household ritual into a mass public festival during the independence struggle. “The great freedom fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak Ji connected Ganeshotsav with the masses, transforming it into a powerful medium for unity and public awakening in the freedom struggle,” Kharge said. He added: “May this sacred festival forever keep alive within us the spirit of unity and collective resolve from the freedom movement, and continue to inspire us to dedicate ourselves to love, harmony, and brotherhood.”

About Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of India's most widely celebrated Hindu festivals, marking the birth of Lord Ganesha — revered as the deity of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. Across the country, devotees install elaborately crafted idols of the deity in homes and public pandals, offering prayers, flowers, and sweets to seek his blessings.

The festival traditionally concludes with Ganesh Visarjan, the ceremonial immersion of the idol in water, symbolising the conclusion of the worship period and the deity's return. While Anant Chaturdashi is considered the most significant day for Visarjan, families may choose to immerse the idol earlier depending on their traditions.

Auspicious Timings This Year

Ganapati Puja is ideally performed during the Madhyahna period, considered the most auspicious time for worship. In New Delhi, the Ganapati Sthapana muhurat on 14 September was from 11:02 am to 1:31 pm. In Mumbai, the auspicious window ran from 11:20 am to 1:48 pm.

Historical Significance

The political resonance of Tilak's reinvention of Ganeshotsav remains significant even today. By opening the festival to public gatherings at a time when the British colonial administration was wary of mass assemblies, Tilak effectively used religious celebration as a vehicle for nationalist mobilisation. Kharge's invocation of this legacy signals the Congress's intent to frame cultural occasions within a narrative of constitutional and democratic values.

As celebrations continue across the country, political leaders across party lines are expected to mark the festival, with public pandals serving as a focal point of community gathering through the coming days.