Dhundhiraj Chaturthi 2026: Muhurat, Manorath Vrat & Moon Arghya Vidhi

Fulfill all your desires this Dhundhiraj Chaturthi (Feb 21, 2026). Learn the exact Shubh Muhurat, the step-by-step Puja Vidhi, and the powerful Moon Arghya mantra to remove life's obstacles.

Lord Ganesha worship on Dhundhiraj Chaturthi with Modak and Moon Arghya.

✨ 21st February 2026 brings a rare and highly auspicious combination of Shubh Yoga, Shukla Yoga, and Ravi Yoga. Worshipping Ganesha today brings manifold positive results.

🗓️ Shubh Muhurat & Timings

Festival Date

21 February 2026 (Saturday)

Chaturthi Tithi Begins

Feb 20, 02:37 PM

Chaturthi Tithi Ends

Feb 21, 01:00 PM

*Celebrated on Feb 21st adhering to the Udaya Tithi (Sunrise) rule.*

Why do we celebrate Dhundhiraj Chaturthi?

Worshipping the Dhundhiraj form of Lord Ganesha clears all obstacles. According to the Matsya Purana, it is called Manoratha Chaturthi because it fulfills the deepest desires of the devotees. The Varaha Purana calls it the Avighnakara Vrat (The Vow of No Obstacles).

Mythological Proof: This sacred Vrat was observed by King Sagar for his Ashwamedha Yajna, by Lord Shiva before fighting Tripurasura, and by Lord Vishnu before the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean).

🙏 Step-by-Step Puja Vidhi

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Morning Sankalp (The Vow): Wake up before sunrise, bathe, and wear clean yellow or red clothes. Take water, Akshat (rice), and flowers in your right hand to take the Sankalp.
"हे ढुण्ढिराज गणेश! मैं (अपना नाम) आज आपके निमित्त संकष्टी चतुर्थी का व्रत धारण कर रहा/रही हूँ। मेरे जीवन के समस्त विघ्नों को दूर कर मुझे सही मार्ग दिखाएं।"
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Abhishek (Holy Bath): Bathe the idol of Lord Ganesha in your home temple with Panchamrit (Milk, Curd, Honey, Ghee, Sugar) and pure Gangajal.
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Offerings (Shringar): Apply a Sindoor Tilak. Offer red Hibiscus flowers (गुड़हल) and exactly 21 knots of Durva grass (दूर्वा), which is highly dear to Ganapati.
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Bhog & Prayers: Offer Modak, Besan Laddoos, and a Naivedya made of Sesame (Til) and Jaggery (Gur). Light a lamp and recite the Ganesh Atharvashirsha or Sankat Nashan Ganesh Stotram.
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Evening Moon Arghya (The Conclusion): After sunset, bathe or wash your hands and feet. When the Moon rises, take water, sandalwood (Chandan), Akshat, and a little milk in a vessel (Lota). Face the sky and offer Arghya to the Moon chanting this powerful mantra:
"गगनार्णवमाणिक्य चन्द्र दाक्षायणीपते।
गृहाणार्घ्यं मया दत्तं गणेशप्रतिरूपक॥"
(Meaning: O Ruby of the sky-ocean, husband of Rohini, and reflection of Ganesha! Please accept this Arghya offered by me.)

Finally, perform the Aarti and break your fast by distributing Prasad to the family.

Frequently asked questions

When is Dhundhiraj Chaturthi celebrated in 2026?

Dhundhiraj Chaturthi will be celebrated on Saturday, 21st February 2026. Although the Chaturthi Tithi begins on the afternoon of Feb 20, the fast and main rituals are observed on Feb 21 as per the Udaya Tithi (sunrise) rule.

What is the other name for Dhundhiraj Chaturthi?

According to the Matsya Purana, it is famously known as Manoratha Chaturthi (because it fulfills desires). In the Varaha Purana, it is referred to as the Avighnakara Vrat (The vow that destroys obstacles).

Can we eat food during the Dhundhiraj Chaturthi Vrat?

Devotees generally observe a strict fast from sunrise until moonrise. After offering Arghya (holy water) to the Moon at night and performing the Aarti, the fast is broken by consuming Satvik food (without onion/garlic) or Prasad.

Why do we offer 21 Durva grass to Lord Ganesha?

Durva grass has a cooling effect. According to mythology, when Ganesha swallowed the demon Analasura, he experienced immense heat in his body. The sages offered him 21 blades of Durva grass, which cooled him down immediately. Since then, offering 21 Durva is the fastest way to please Him.

What should be offered as Bhog on this day?

You should offer Modak or Besan Laddoos along with a special Naivedya made of Til (Sesame) and Gur (Jaggery). These are Lord Ganesha's favorite foods and symbolize sweetness and energy.