Anant Chaturdashi 2021: Date, time and significance of Ganesh Visarjan

One of the most significant and holiest festivals celebrated in India, Anant Chaturdashi marks the farewell of Lord Ganesha by immersing (visarjan) him after celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi for 10 days with great pomp and fervour. On this day, Anant Chaturdashi puja is performed, along with the Visarjan. 

Although Ganesh Visarjan is a practice that started back in the time when Marathas ruled, the end of the 10-day festival was celebrated but not in a grand way as another pious festival in itself. Interestingly, the roots of the festival go deeper than one thinks. On the occasion of Anant Chaturdashi, Lord Vishnu is offered prayers by devotees. Celebrated in Bhaadrapad month of shukla paksh, it falls on September 19 this year. 

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Anant Chaturdashi signifies freedom from all kinds of negativity. Observed in honest faith, this festival is known to remove bad energies and ill presence from life. According to rituals, a string called Anant is tied to the wrist of the devotees with 14 knots. The string is often coloured with Kumkum. It is not anytime of the day this is done. A certain time, according to the hindu customs, is considered to be auspicious to perform the ritual. 

Anant Chaturdashi Puja Muhurat is from 06:27 am on September 19 to 05:28 am on September 20, 2021, according to the Hindu priests this year. The start of the festival happens at  05:59 am on September 19. The Chaturdashi Tithi ends at 05:28 am on September 20, 2021.

According to popular belief, it is the best and most auspicious time to immerse the idol of Lord Ganesha before sunset. Furthermore, it is believed that as Lord Ganesha leaves, he takes away all the pain, negativity and problems with him, leaving abundance and blessings upon his devotees for their life ahead.