Anant Chaturdashi 2026: Date, Shubh Muhurat, Anant Sutra Vidhi, Vrat Katha and Ganesh Visarjan

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Anant Chaturdashi is an important Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu in his Anant form and the observance of the Anant Vrat. Celebrated on the Chaturdashi Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada, this festival is also known as Anant Chaudas. On this day, devotees traditionally worship Lord Vishnu, Goddess Yamuna and Sheshnag and tie the sacred Anant Sutra, which has fourteen knots.

Anant Chaturdashi is especially significant because it also marks the conclusion of the ten-day Ganesh festival. On this day, devotees perform the ceremonial immersion of Lord Ganesha idols. In 2026, Anant Chaturdashi and the traditional tenth-day Ganesh Visarjan will be observed on Friday, September 25, 2026.

When is Anant Chaturdashi 2026?

In 2026, Anant Chaturdashi will be observed on Friday, September 25, 2026. It falls on the Chaturdashi Tithi of the Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada. According to the traditional practice of giving importance to the Udaya Tithi, September 25 will be observed as Anant Chaturdashi.

Anant Chaturdashi 2026 Date and Timings

Details	Time
Anant Chaturdashi	Friday, September 25, 2026
Tithi	Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturdashi
Chaturdashi Begins	September 24, 2026, 11:18 PM
Chaturdashi Ends	September 25, 2026, 11:06 PM
Sunrise, New Delhi	Around 06:10 AM
Sunset, New Delhi	Around 06:14 PM
Brahma Muhurat	04:35 AM to 05:23 AM
Abhijit Muhurat	11:50 AM to 12:38 PM
Rahu Kaal	10:43 AM to 12:14 PM
Ganesh Visarjan	September 25, 2026

Muhurat and sunrise timings may vary depending on the location. Therefore, devotees should verify the timings with their local Panchang before performing the पूजा or Ganesh Visarjan.

Significance of Anant Chaturdashi

The word “Anant” means endless or infinite. On this day, devotees worship Lord Vishnu in his Anant form. According to Hindu tradition, Lord Vishnu rests upon Sheshnag in the Kshira Sagar and represents the eternal and sustaining power of the universe.

Anant Chaturdashi is also associated with the worship of Goddess Yamuna and Sheshnag along with Lord Vishnu. Devotees tie the sacred Anant Sutra as an expression of devotion to Lord Anant. It is traditionally considered a symbol of protection, prosperity, continuity and divine grace.

The Anant Sutra is tied with fourteen knots, which are traditionally associated with the fourteen Lokas. The Anant Vrat is also traditionally observed for fourteen years, followed by an Udyapan ceremony after completing the prescribed period.

In ancient times, there lived a highly devoted and virtuous Brahmin named Sumant. He had a daughter named Sushila. When she reached a suitable age, Sumant arranged her marriage with a sage named Kaundilya.

After their marriage, Kaundilya left with Sushila for his ashram. During their journey, they stopped near a river in the evening so that Kaundilya could perform his Sandhya Vandana. While he was engaged in prayer, Sushila noticed a group of women performing a special religious ritual near the river.

Sushila approached them and asked which पूजा they were performing and which deity it was dedicated to. The women explained the significance of the Anant Vrat, which is dedicated to Lord Anant. They also explained the traditional procedure and religious importance of the vrat.

After learning about the Anant Vrat, Sushila performed the ritual with devotion. After completing the पूजा, she tied the fourteen-knotted Anant Sutra around her arm and returned to her husband, Kaundilya.

When Kaundilya saw the sacred thread on Sushila's arm, he asked her about it. Sushila explained the Anant Vrat and the significance of the thread. However, Kaundilya did not consider it important. He removed the sacred thread from Sushila's arm, broke it and threw it into the fire. According to the traditional कथा, this act was considered disrespectful towards Lord Anant.

After this incident, difficulties began to appear in Kaundilya's life, and his wealth and prosperity were gradually lost. When he could not understand the reason for his misfortune, Sushila explained that the difficulties had occurred because of the disrespect shown towards the Anant Sutra.

Realizing his mistake, Kaundilya deeply regretted his actions and went into the forest in search of Lord Anant. He wandered through the forest for a long time, but could not find the Lord. Eventually, he became distressed and fainted.

While wandering through the forest, he saw an Aamra tree, a cow, a bull, a donkey, a Pushkarini and an old Brahmin. The old Brahmin was actually Lord Anant himself. He took Kaundilya into a cave and explained the significance of the different symbols he had seen.

Lord Anant explained that the mango tree represented a Brahmin from a previous birth who had failed to share his knowledge with his students. The cow represented the Earth, while the bull represented Dharma. The donkey represented anger. The story associated with two sisters was represented through the Pushkarini.

Finally, the old Brahmin revealed his true identity as Lord Anant. He explained to Kaundilya that the disrespect shown towards the sacred Anant Sutra had brought difficulties into his life. However, because of his sincere repentance, Lord Anant was pleased with him.

Lord Anant instructed Kaundilya to return to his ashram and observe the Anant Vrat for fourteen years or according to his capacity. He also instructed him to perform the Udyapan ceremony on Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturdashi after completing the prescribed period.

For the Udyapan, the tradition mentions establishing a Kalash on a Sarvatobhadra Mandala and placing an image of Lord Anant made from Kusha grass or gold. A fourteen-knotted Anant Sutra is placed before the deity and worshipped with Vedic mantras.

Havan may be performed using sesame seeds, ghee, sugar, dry fruits and Kheer. According to one's capacity, traditions also mention donating a cow, a bed or food. The Udyapan ritual traditionally includes donating fourteen vessels, fourteen auspicious items and fourteen Anant Sutras. Fourteen Brahmin couples may be offered food, Dakshina and other offerings before concluding the ceremony.

After explaining the importance and procedure of the vrat, Lord Anant disappeared. Following the Lord's instructions, Kaundilya returned to his ashram and observed the vrat. According to religious tradition, the merits of the vrat brought an end to his difficulties and restored his prosperity.

Similarly, Lord Krishna is traditionally said to have explained the importance of the Anant Vrat to Dharmaraja Yudhishthira during the Pandavas' period of exile. According to the religious कथा, Yudhishthira worshipped Lord Anant and observed the vrat, after which the difficulties faced by the Pandavas were overcome and they eventually regained their kingdom.

Lord Krishna is also described as explaining the glory of the Anant Vrat and stating that those who worship Lord Anant with faith and devotion and listen to the sacred कथा receive divine blessings. Thus, the story associated with Anant Chaturdashi highlights the importance of devotion, humility, repentance and sincere commitment.

What is Anant Sutra and Why Does It Have 14 Knots?

On Anant Chaturdashi, devotees prepare a sacred thread known as the Anant Sutra or Anant Dorak. It is traditionally colored yellow using turmeric and tied with fourteen knots.

These fourteen knots are traditionally associated with the fourteen Lokas. After worshipping Lord Vishnu and Lord Anant, devotees wear the sacred thread around their arm.

According to a commonly followed tradition, men wear the Anant Sutra on the right arm, while women wear it on the left arm. However, customs may vary according to different regions and families.

Anant Chaturdashi Puja Vidhi

Devotees can follow the traditional procedure below for performing Anant Chaturdashi Puja:

1. Take a Bath and Make a Sankalp

Take a bath in the morning and wear clean clothes. Clean the Puja area and take a Sankalp to observe the vrat and perform the puja while remembering Lord Vishnu and Lord Anant.

2. Prepare the Puja Area

Place a clean cloth on a wooden platform and install an image or idol of Lord Vishnu. Keep a water-filled Kalash nearby and place a coconut over it if desired.

3. Prepare the Anant Sutra

Color a cotton thread with turmeric and tie 14 knots in it. Keep the sacred thread in front of Lord Vishnu during the puja.

4. Worship Lord Vishnu

Offer Roli, Akshat, Chandan, flowers, incense and a Diya to Lord Vishnu. Devotees may chant the mantra “Om Anantaya Namah” while meditating on Lord Anant.

5. Listen to the Puja Katha

Read or listen to the sacred Anant Chaturdashi Katha. After the katha, perform the Aarti of Lord Vishnu.

6. Tie the Anant Sutra

After completing the Puja, wear the Anant Sutra around the arm. Traditionally, men wear it on the right arm and women on the left arm.

7. Distribute Prasad and Donate

Distribute Prasad after the Aarti. According to one's capacity, donating food, clothes or Dakshina is also considered a traditional part of the observance.

Anant Chaturdashi Vrat Rules

The Anant Chaturdashi vrat may be observed according to one's health, capacity and family traditions.

Many devotees observe a fast or consume only fruits and permitted fasting foods until the Puja is completed.
Fruits, milk, curd, Sabudana, Kuttu and Singhara flour may be consumed during the fast.
Traditionally, grains, pulses, non-vegetarian food, alcohol and other Tamasic foods are avoided.
The fast may be concluded after completing the Puja, Katha and Aarti and receiving Prasad.
People who are unwell, elderly, pregnant or taking regular medication may modify their fasting practices according to their health requirements.

Fasting rules may differ according to regional and family traditions.

Ganesh Visarjan on Anant Chaturdashi 2026

Another major significance of Anant Chaturdashi is Ganesh Visarjan. In 2026, Ganesh Chaturthi was observed on September 14. Families and public Ganesh Mandals observing the traditional ten-day Ganesh festival will perform Ganesh Visarjan on September 25, 2026, the day of Anant Chaturdashi.

Before the immersion, devotees perform the final Aarti of Lord Ganesha. Modak, Durva and other traditional offerings may be offered. After this, Uttar Puja is performed before respectfully bidding farewell to Lord Ganesha.

During the procession, devotees chant traditional slogans such as “Ganpati Bappa Morya, Agle Baras Tu Jaldi Aa” while taking the idol to the immersion location.

Those performing the immersion at home may use clay or eco-friendly idols. Using a large container or tub for home immersion and allowing the natural clay to settle into the soil can be a more environmentally responsible option.

Do Anant Chaturdashi and Ganesh Visarjan Fall on the Same Day?

For families and public Mandals observing the ten-day Ganesh festival, Ganesh Visarjan is traditionally performed on Anant Chaturdashi. However, Ganesh Visarjan is not limited only to this day.

Depending on family traditions, devotees may perform Ganesh Visarjan on the 1.5th, 3rd, 5th, 7th or 10th day of the festival.

In 2026, the conclusion of the ten-day Ganesh festival and the traditional Ganesh Visarjan will take place on Friday, September 25, on Anant Chaturdashi.

Anant Chaturdashi Puja Samagri

The following items can generally be kept for Anant Chaturdashi Puja:

Anant Sutra or Mauli
Turmeric
Roli or Kumkum
Akshat
Chandan
Flowers and leaves
Picture or idol of Lord Vishnu
Kalash and coconut
Gangajal
Incense and Diya
Ghee
Camphor
Fruits
Panchmeva
Kheer or other Satvik offerings
Aarti Thali

The Puja materials may vary according to regional and family traditions.

Importance of Charity on Anant Chaturdashi

Charity and acts of kindness are traditionally associated with Anant Chaturdashi. According to one's capacity, devotees may donate food, clothes, fruits, meals or Dakshina.

The Udyapan traditions associated with the Anant Vrat also mention charity and feeding Brahmin couples. The detailed procedure for Udyapan may be performed according to one's family tradition and the guidance of a qualified religious practitioner.

Anant Chaturdashi 2026: Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1- When is Anant Chaturdashi in 2026?

Ans. Anant Chaturdashi will be observed on Friday, September 25, 2026.

Q.2- How many knots are there in the Anant Sutra?

The Anant Sutra traditionally has 14 knots, which are associated with the fourteen Lokas.

Q.3- Which arm should the Anant Sutra be tied on?

Ans. According to the commonly followed tradition, men wear the Anant Sutra on the right arm, while women wear it on the left arm. Customs may vary according to regional and family traditions.

Q.4- Is fasting compulsory on Anant Chaturdashi?

Ans. Fasting is a traditional practice, but it may be modified according to individual health and circumstances. Performing the पूजा, listening to the कथा and remembering Lord Anant with devotion are important aspects of the festival.

Q.5- When will Ganesh Visarjan take place on Anant Chaturdashi 2026?

Ans. In 2026, the traditional immersion of ten-day Ganesh idols will take place on Friday, September 25, on Anant Chaturdashi.

Q.6- For how many years is the Anant Vrat observed?

Ans. Traditionally, the Anant Vrat is observed for 14 years, followed by an Udyapan ceremony. However, the duration and Udyapan procedure may vary according to family traditions.

Q.7-What is the significance of the 14 knots in the Anant Sutra?

Ans. The fourteen knots of the Anant Sutra are traditionally considered a symbol of the fourteen Lokas. Wearing the thread after worshipping Lord Vishnu represents devotion, faith and commitment to Lord Anant.

Q.8- Which deities are worshipped on Anant Chaturdashi?

Ans. On this day, devotees traditionally worship Lord Vishnu in his Anant form, along with Sheshnag and Goddess Yamuna. Families may also worship other deities according to their local and family traditions.

Conclusion

Anant Chaturdashi is an important Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu in his Anant form, the wearing of the sacred Anant Sutra and listening to the traditional sacred katha. The fourteen-knotted Anant Sutra is considered a symbol of devotion, commitment and continuity associated with Lord Anant.

The story associated with this festival describes Sushila's devotion, Sage Kaundilya's repentance and the blessings of Lord Anant. It highlights the importance of faith, humility, sincere repentance and dedication to one's spiritual commitments.

The festival also coincides with the conclusion of the ten-day Ganesh festival, bringing together the traditions of worship and farewell. In 2026, Anant Chaturdashi will be observed on Friday, September 25. On this day, devotees may worship Lord Vishnu, wear the Anant Sutra, listen to the sacred katha and perform Ganesh Visarjan according to their family traditions.

Devotees should follow their local Panchang and family traditions when determining the exact Puja and Visarjan timings and procedures.