Anant Chaturdashi 2026
Anant Chaturdashi is a highly significant day in the Vedic calendar, carrying a dual spiritual legacy. It is the holy day dedicated to the worship of Lord Ananta (the infinite form of Lord Vishnu reclining on the cosmic serpent Sheshnaag) and the tying of the protective 14-knot Anant Sutra. Concurrently, it marks the grand final day of Ganesha Visarjan, when public and domestic Ganesha idols are immersed in water bodies. In 2026, it is observed on Friday, September 25, with the auspicious morning puja window from 06:11 AM to 11:45 AM IST.
Anant Chaturdashi 2026 — Exact Timings & Muhurat
The Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturdashi Tithi and auspicious puja window details (IST):
The Two-Fold Spiritual Significance
Why Anant Chaturdashi is a transition point of divine protection, cosmic dimensions, and emotional farewell.
1. The Anant Vrat & 14 Cosmic Knots
Lord Ananta Padmanabha represents the infinite and eternal energy of Lord Vishnu reclining on Sheshnaag in the cosmic ocean. Worshipping this aspect signifies seeking protection throughout the 14 Lokas (realms) of creation. Devotees tie the Anant Sutra (a sacred thread dyed in turmeric with exactly 14 knots) on their arms. Men tie it on the right hand, and women on the left. The 14 knots represent the fourteen major realms of the Vedic universe, from the Satyaloka of Brahma down to the subterranean Patala. Tying it brings continuous protection, financial success, and removes all family suffering.
2. Ganesha Visarjan — The Grand Farewell
Anant Chaturdashi is the final day of the 10-day Ganeshotsav festival. Lord Ganesha, who entered our homes and hearts on Ganesh Chaturthi, is bid farewell with grand processions, music, Nashik dhol drums, and prayers. The immersion of Ganesha idols represents his return to Mount Kailash to reunite with his parents, Shiva and Parvati. It teaches us the profound lesson of impermanence — that the physical form dissolves, but the divine spiritual energy remains in our hearts.
The 14 Realms Represented by the 14 Knots
Each knot of the Anant Sutra symbolizes one of the fourteen cosmic dimensions of the Vedic universe. Click to explore.
Satyaloka
7th Upper LokaThe highest spiritual realm of absolute truth and Lord Brahma, where souls are liberated from the cycle of birth and death.
The Legend of Anant Vrat Katha
The sacred story of Sage Kaundinya and his wife Sushila, from the Mahabharata, illustrating the power of the Anant Sutra and the perils of ego.
✨ Sushila\'s Devotion and the Sacred Thread
In the Satya Yuga, a beautiful girl named Sushila (daughter of Sage Sumantu) married the brilliant Sage Kaundinya. During their travels, Sushila saw a group of women performing the Anant Vrat by a riverbank. Inspired, she observed the fast and tied the 14-knot Anant Sutra on her left wrist. Following this, their ashram filled with wealth, happiness, and peace, and Kaundinya became highly renowned.
🔥 Kaundinya\'s Ego and the Fire Sacrifice
One day, Kaundinya noticed the red-yellow thread on Sushila\'s hand. Sushila explained that it was the sacred string of Lord Ananta, which was the source of their prosperity. Kaundinya, filled with pride, claimed that their wealth was the result of his own intellectual capacity and spiritual power, not a thread. In a fit of ego, he snatched the Anant Sutra from her wrist and threw it into the sacrificial fire. Sushila quickly retrieved the burnt thread and placed it in milk, but the disrespect had been done.
🐄 The Fall and Lord Vishnu\'s Compassion
Within days, their cow shelter caught fire, crops failed, their wealth vanished, and friends turned into enemies. Realizing his grave mistake, Kaundinya left his ashram to search for Lord Ananta in the forests. He wandered for months, asking cows, trees, and lakes if they had seen the infinite Lord. Seeing his deep repentance, Lord Vishnu appeared before him in his golden Ananta Padmanabha form, forgave him, and commanded him to observe the Anant Vrat for 14 years to restore his spiritual alignment. Since then, devotees observe this Vrat to neutralize the effects of arrogance and seek divine protection.
Ganesha Visarjan Beaches & Spots in Mumbai
Mumbai hosts the most energetic Ganesha farewell processions. Click to explore key immersion sites.
Girgaon Chowpatty
📍 Region: South MumbaiThe most iconic Visarjan spot in Mumbai. Hundreds of thousands gather here to witness the immersion of the city's tallest and most historic Ganesha idols, including Lalbaugcha Raja and Ganesh Gally's Mumbaicha Raja. Celebrations run continuously for 24 hours.
Step-by-Step Anant Vrat Puja Vidhi
The Anant Puja and thread tying should be performed on the morning of September 25, 2026 within the auspicious window (06:11 AM to 11:45 AM IST):
- 1
Morning Purification & Sankalpa
Wake up before sunrise. Take a purifying bath, preferably putting sesame oil or Tulsi water in the bathwater. Wear fresh yellow or orange silk clothing. Face East at your altar and take the Sankalpa: "I observe the Anant Vrat on this Chaturdashi day to obtain the infinite grace of Lord Anant (Vishnu). May he protect my family, remove poverty, and grant us lasting peace."
- 2
Altar Setup & Kalash Sthapana
Cover a wooden platform with a yellow cloth. Place the photo or idol of Lord Vishnu reclining on Sheshnaag. Place a copper pot (Kalash) filled with water, decorated with 5 mango leaves, and a coconut on top. Place a plate containing the Anant Sutra thread in front of the deity.
- 3
Abhishek of the Deity
Perform the Abhishek of Lord Vishnu's idol (or a Shaligram stone) using raw milk, curd, honey, sugar, ghee (Panchamrit), and Ganga jal. Clean the idol with water and dry it with a clean yellow cloth. Apply yellow sandalwood paste (Chandan) and kumkum tilak.
- 4
Consecrating the Anant Sutra (Sacred Thread)
Offer chandan, kumkum, raw rice, and yellow flowers to the 14-knot Anant Sutra on the plate. Chant the Vishnu Gayatri or "Om Anantaya Namah" 14 times, meditating on the 14 realms of the universe. Offer sweet Sattu as Prasad.
- 5
Reading the Anant Vrat Katha
Hold a few yellow flower petals in your hand and read or listen to the Anant Vrat Katha (the story of Kaundinya and Sushila). After finishing, place the flowers at the feet of the Lord. Perform the Aarti with a ghee lamp and camphor.
- 6
Tying the Anant Sutra Thread
Tie the purified 14-knot thread on your wrist. According to scriptures, men tie it on their right hand, and women on their left. If replacing the previous year's thread, immerse the old thread in a river, pond, or a plant pot filled with water.
- 7
Ganesha Visarjan (Afternoon/Evening)
If you have hosted Lord Ganesha at home, prepare for the farewell (Uttar Puja) in the afternoon. Offer Modak, coconut, and curd-sugar. Carry Ganesha with music and chanting ("Ganpati Bappa Morya!") to the beach or perform Visarjan at home in an eco-friendly tank.
Fasting Rules & Vrat Guidelines
nutrition1. Sattu Offering & Fasting
The traditional food offered on Anant Chaturdashi is Sattu (roasted gram flour mixed with sugar and milk). Devotees observe a fast on this day, consuming only fruits, milk, and Sattu. Salt is strictly forbidden during the fast. The fast is broken in the evening after sunset, following the second round of prayers.
history2. Tying Thread rules
The Anant Sutra must have exactly 14 knots. Do not make or buy threads with more or fewer knots, as they represent the 14 Lokas. Purify the thread with milk and Ganga jal before tying it. Once tied, it is traditional to keep it on the wrist for at least 14 days, though many keep it throughout the year until the next Anant Chaturdashi.
water_drop3. Eco-friendly Visarjan
Ensure that Ganesha Visarjan does not pollute the environment. Avoid chemical paints and Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols. Immerse clay idols in artificial water tanks created by local municipal bodies, or perform the Visarjan at home in a bucket, using the mud to water home plants.
block4. Taboos & Prohibitions
Do not eat non-vegetarian food, onion, garlic, or items made with common salt. Do not use sewing needles or scissors on this day. Do not show arrogance or pick fights at home or office, as it negates the merits of the Anant Vrat.
Anant Chaturdashi Puja Samagri Checklist
Gather these items by September 23–24. Ensure the Anant Sutra thread has exactly 14 knots.
| Category | Required Items |
|---|---|
| Anant Padmanabha Idol | An idol, image, or picture of Lord Anant (Vishnu reclining on Sheshnaag). If not available, a Shaligram stone or a Kalash (water pot) wrapped in yellow cloth can represent Lord Vishnu. |
| Anant Sutra (Sacred Thread) | A cotton or silk thread dyed in turmeric (yellow) and saffron (red), with exactly 14 knots tied sequentially, representing the 14 Lokas of the universe. |
| Altar Setup & Offerings | Wooden Chowki, yellow silk cloth to cover the platform, Akshat (unbroken rice), vermilion (Kumkum), sandalwood paste, incense sticks, cow ghee lamp, and camphor. |
| Flowers & Tulsi | Fresh Tulsi leaves (crucial for Vishnu worship), yellow marigold flowers, lotus buds, and mango leaf strings (Toran) for decorating the entrance. |
| Naivedyam & Sattu | Traditional Sattu (roasted gram flour mixed with sugar, ghee, and milk), dry fruits, banana, coconut, panchamrit, and sweet laddoos. |
| Ganesh Visarjan Plate | If performing Ganesha farewell on the same day: red cloth, coconut, modaks, curd-sugar (Dahi-shakkar) for Ganesha's final journey, and a clean bucket of water if doing it indoors. |
Time Until Anant Puja Opens
Counting down to 06:11 AM IST, September 25, 2026 — the start of the auspicious morning puja window.
📋 Timings Summary — September 25, 2026
Zodiac-Wise Anant Chaturdashi Remedies & Blessings
Select your Rashi to get personalized career success, divine protection, and relationship stability remedies from Lord Ananta.
Cancer — Karka (कर्क)
Ruling Planet: Moon (Chandra)Brings domestic stability, emotional healing, and protective shields against toxic relationships or career anxieties.
Om Purushottamaya Namah
Chant 108 times at the altar
Perform Abhishek of the Vishnu idol or Shaligram with raw milk mixed with saffron and ganga jal.
Powerful Anant Chaturdashi Mantras
Chant these mantras to invoke Lord Ananta (Vishnu) during the thread consecration and Ganesha Visarjan.
Ananta Padmanabha Moola Mantra
Om Anantaya Namah Om Namo Narayanaya
"Salutations to the Infinite Lord Vishnu. Salutations to the divine cosmic protector."
Chant 108 times during the morning Anant Vrat puja to consecrate the 14-knot thread.
Anant Sutra Tying Prayer
Ananta Sansara Mahanave Maim, Magnam Samuddhara Vasudeva Anantarupin Viniyojayasva, Anantasutraaya Namo Namah
"O Vasudeva, lift me up from this ocean of worldly existence. O infinite Lord, bind me to your protective energy. I bow to the sacred Anant Sutra."
Recite this prayer while tying the 14-knot thread on your wrist.
Lord Vishnu Gayatri Mantra
Om Narayanaya Vidmahe Vasudevaya Dheemahi Tanno Vishnuh Prachodayat
"We meditate on Lord Narayana. We pray to Vasudeva. May Lord Vishnu guide our intellect in the right path."
Chant during the Abhishek of Shaligram or Vishnu idol on Chaturdashi morning.
Ganesha Visarjan Prayer
Ganesha Morya Re Bappa Morya Re Yahi Yahi Mudam Kartu, Yahi Yahi Param Padam Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya
"Glory to Lord Ganesha! Go, O Lord, to your supreme abode in Kailash, and return to us early next year to bless us."
Chant during the final Ganesha immersion (Visarjan) at the beach or artificial water tank.
Frequently Asked Questions — Anant Chaturdashi 2026
When is Anant Chaturdashi in 2026?expand_more
Anant Chaturdashi 2026 is on Friday, September 25, 2026. The Chaturdashi Tithi begins on September 24 at 09:23 PM and ends on September 25 at 07:11 PM. The most auspicious morning window for performing the Anant Vrat and tying the thread is 06:11 AM to 11:45 AM IST.
What is the significance of the 14 knots on the Anant Sutra thread?expand_more
The 14 knots on the red-yellow Anant Sutra thread represent the 14 Lokas (cosmic realms) created by Lord Vishnu: 7 upper realms (Satyaloka, Tapoloka, Janaloka, Maharloka, Svarloka, Bhuvarloka, Bhuloka) and 7 lower realms (Atala, Vitala, Sutala, Talatala, Mahatala, Rasatala, Patal). Tying the thread invokes Lord Vishnu's protection across all dimensions of the universe.
How long should we keep the Anant Sutra tied on the wrist?expand_more
Traditionally, the thread should remain on your wrist for at least 14 days, though many devotees keep it tied for an entire year until the next Anant Chaturdashi. When removing the old thread, do not throw it in the trash; instead, immerse it in a river, pond, or place it under a potted plant at home.
Are men and women supposed to tie the thread on different hands?expand_more
Yes. According to Vedic scriptures, men should tie the Anant Sutra on their right hand/wrist, while women should tie it on their left hand/wrist.
What is the traditional Prasad prepared on Anant Chaturdashi?expand_more
The primary Prasad for Lord Ananta is Sattu (roasted gram flour mixed with powdered sugar, ghee, and milk). Some families also cook wheat flour sweets (laddoos) or sweet puri. Devotees observing the fast eat only these sweet items and avoid common salt.
Why is Ganesha Visarjan performed on the same day?expand_more
Anant Chaturdashi marks the 10th and final day of the Ganeshotsav festival. Lord Ganesha returns to Mount Kailash to rejoin Shiva and Parvati. Immersing the clay Ganesha idol in water represents the cycle of life and dissolution — that the physical form returns to nature while the soul remains eternal.
Where are the top Ganesha Visarjan spots in Mumbai?expand_more
The most popular beaches for Ganesha Visarjan in Mumbai are Girgaon Chowpatty (South Mumbai - where Lalbaugcha Raja is immersed), Juhu Beach, Versova Beach, and Aksa Beach. The BMC also sets up hundreds of artificial tanks to encourage eco-friendly, local Visarjans.
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