In the Hindu calendar, each lunar month has two Chaturthi Tithis, both associated with Lord Ganesha. The Chaturthi that occurs after Amavasya (the new moon) during Shukla Paksha is known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, while the one following Purnima (the full moon) during Krishna Paksha is called Sankashti Chaturthi.
While Vinayaka Chaturthi is observed each month, its most important occurrence is in the month of Bhadrapada, known as Ganesha Chaturthi, celebrated globally as the birth of Lord Ganesha. This Chaturthi is also referred to as Varad Vinayaka Chaturthi.
The word "Varad" signifies a request for blessings, as devotees seek the fulfillment of their desires. Observing this fast is believed to bring wisdom and patience—virtues that have long been esteemed as essential for personal growth and success.
Ganesha Puja on Vinayaka Chaturthi is performed during the afternoon, aligning with the midday period in the Hindu calendar. The auspicious timing, or Muhurta, for worship is listed with each Vinayaka Chaturthi date.
2025 Vinayaka Chaturthi Calendar
| Event Date | Name | Tithi | Begins Date | Begins Time | Ends Date | Ends Time |
| January 3, 2025, Friday | Vinayaka Chaturthi | Pausha, Shukla Chaturthi | Jan 03 | Begins - 01:08 AM | Jan 03 | Ends - 11:39 PM |
| February 1, 2025, Saturday | Ganesha Jayanti | Magha, Shukla Chaturthi | Feb 01 | Begins - 11:38 AM | Feb 02 | Ends - 09:14 AM |
| March 3, 2025, Monday | Vinayaka Chaturthi | Phalguna, Shukla Chaturthi | Mar 02 | Begins - 09:01 PM | Mar 03 | Ends - 06:02 PM |
| April 1, 2025, Tuesday | Vinayaka Chaturthi | Chaitra, Shukla Chaturthi | Apr 01 | Begins - 05:42 AM | Apr 02 | Ends - 02:32 AM |
| May 1, 2025, Thursday | Vinayaka Chaturthi | Vaishakha, Shukla Chaturthi | Apr 30 | Begins - 02:12 PM | May 01 | Ends - 11:23 AM |
| May 30, 2025, Friday | Vinayaka Chaturthi | Jyeshtha, Shukla Chaturthi | May 29 | Begins - 11:18 PM | May 30 | Ends - 09:22 PM |
| June 28, 2025, Saturday | Vinayaka Chaturthi | Ashadha, Shukla Chaturthi | Jun 28 | Begins - 09:53 AM | Jun 29 | Ends - 09:14 AM |
| July 28, 2025, Monday | Vinayaka Chaturthi | Shravana, Shukla Chaturthi | Jul 27 | Begins - 10:41 PM | Jul 28 | Ends - 11:24 PM |
| August 27, 2025, Wednesday | Ganesh Chaturthi | Bhadrapada, Shukla Chaturthi | Aug 26 | Begins - 01:54 PM | Aug 27 | Ends - 03:44 PM |
| September 25, 2025, Thursday | Vinayaka Chaturthi | Ashwina, Shukla Chaturthi | Sep 25 | Begins - 07:06 AM | Sep 26 | Ends - 09:33 AM |
| October 25, 2025, Saturday | Vinayaka Chaturthi | Kartika, Shukla Chaturthi | Oct 25 | Begins - 01:19 AM | Oct 26 | Ends - 03:48 AM |
| November 24, 2025, Monday | Vinayaka Chaturthi | Margashirsha, Shukla Chaturthi | Nov 23 | Begins - 07:24 PM | Nov 24 | Ends - 09:22 PM |
| December 24, 2025, Wednesday | Vinayaka Chaturthi | Pausha, Shukla Chaturthi | Dec 23 | Begins - 12:12 PM | Dec 24 | Ends - 01:11 PM |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Vinayaka Chaturthi is a powerful observance dedicated to honoring Lord Ganesha, whose blessings are believed to remove obstacles, bring prosperity, and guide devotees on the path of wisdom and patience.
Each monthly Vinayaka Chaturthi provides an opportunity to renew our intentions and seek Ganesha's divine support in overcoming life’s challenges.
The most significant celebration, Ganesha Chaturthi in Bhadrapada, marks the joyous celebration of his birth, drawing together communities worldwide in devotion and festivity.
Observing Vinayaka Chaturthi with sincerity and faith can invite Lord Ganesha’s grace, helping devotees attain personal growth, spiritual strength, and fulfillment of their heartfelt desires.