After a month centred almost entirely on Shiva worship in Sawan, September shifts the spotlight to Lord Krishna and Lord Ganesha. According to the Lala Ramswaroop Calendar September 2026, this is one of the most festive stretches of the year, opening with Krishna Janmashtami and moving straight into the ten-day Ganeshotsav. This guide covers every Vrat, festival, and important date from the Lala Ramswaroop Panchang September 2026 in one place.
Chaturmas, which began in June, is still in effect this month, so — much like August — September has no Vivah Muhurat dates. On top of that, the last few days of the month bring the start of Pitru Paksha, the 15-day period set aside for honouring ancestors, when auspicious ceremonies are avoided altogether. We cover both of these in detail below.
Major Festivals and Observances in September 2026
| Date | Day | Festival / Occasion | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept 4, 2026 | Friday | Krishna Janmashtami | Birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, celebrated at midnight with grand festivities, especially in Mathura-Vrindavan |
| Sept 14, 2026 | Monday | Ganesh Chaturthi & Hartalika Teej | Start of the ten-day Ganeshotsav; also a strict fast observed by married women for their husband’s long life |
| Sept 15, 2026 | Tuesday | Rishi Panchami | A fast observed by women in honour of the Sapta Rishis (seven sages) |
| Sept 17, 2026 | Thursday | Vishwakarma Puja | Worship of tools, machines, and factories on the birthday of the divine architect, Lord Vishwakarma |
| Sept 19, 2026 | Saturday | Radha Ashtami | Appearance day of Radha Rani of Barsana |
| Sept 25, 2026 | Friday | Anant Chaturdashi | Conclusion of Ganeshotsav with Ganpati Visarjan; also the day of Anant Puja for Lord Vishnu |
The Story Behind the Month’s Key Observances
Krishna Janmashtami, on September 4, falls on Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami and is traditionally observed under the Rohini Nakshatra, believed to be the exact placement of the stars when Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu, was born. Devotees keep a day-long fast, and the main celebration happens at midnight with a ceremonial Abhishek of the Krishna idol, followed by bhajans and the breaking of the fast. Mathura and Vrindavan, associated with Krishna’s early life, see the largest and most elaborate celebrations in the country.
Ganeshotsav 2026: Ten Days from Sthapana to Visarjan
Ganesh Chaturthi on September 14 marks Sthapana, the installation of the Ganesha idol, and the festival runs for ten days until Anant Chaturdashi on September 25, when the idol is ceremonially immersed in water — a ritual known as Visarjan. While celebrated across India, it holds special cultural weight in Maharashtra, where neighbourhoods organise public pandals, community aartis, and processions leading up to the final immersion.
Ekadashi, Purnima and Amavasya Dates — September 2026
| Date | Day | Vrat / Tithi | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept 7, 2026 | Monday | Aja Ekadashi | Bhadrapada Krishna Paksha Ekadashi; fasting for Lord Vishnu is believed to bring merit equal to performing an Ashwamedha Yagya |
| Sept 8, 2026 | Tuesday | Bhauma Pradosh Vrat | An evening fast for Lord Shiva that falls on a Tuesday, considered favourable for Mangal Dev as well |
| Sept 11, 2026 | Friday | Bhadrapada Amavasya (Pithori / Kushotpatini Amavasya) | The day sacred Kusha grass is traditionally gathered for use in rituals through the coming year |
| Sept 22, 2026 | Tuesday | Parivartini / Jalajhulani Ekadashi | Believed to be the day Lord Vishnu turns to his other side during his Chaturmas sleep |
| Sept 24, 2026 | Thursday | Guru Pradosh Vrat | The second evening Shiva fast of the month |
| Sept 26, 2026 | Saturday | Bhadrapada Purnima | Marks the first day of Tarpan; Pitru Paksha begins the following day |
Parivartini Ekadashi on September 22 carries a story worth knowing: since Lord Vishnu is believed to be asleep throughout Chaturmas, this Ekadashi marks the day he is said to turn onto his other side, giving the observance its name — Parivartini, meaning “the changing one.” In some regions it is also called Jalajhulani Ekadashi, associated with bathing and swinging rituals for Krishna idols.
Why No Weddings This Month: Chaturmas and Pitru Paksha
September 2026 carries a double restriction on auspicious ceremonies. Chaturmas, which began with Devshayani Ekadashi back in June, continues through this month, meaning weddings, engagements, and Griha Pravesh remain paused, exactly as they were in August. On top of that, from September 27, Pitru Paksha begins — a 15-day period dedicated entirely to remembering one’s ancestors.
During Pitru Paksha, Hindu tradition holds that buying new items, discussing marriage plans, or starting any Shubh Karya should be avoided altogether. The period is set aside specifically for Tarpan (offering water to ancestors), Shraddh rituals, and Brahmin Bhoj or charity performed in the name of one’s forefathers, believed to bring peace to departed souls. Together, Chaturmas and Pitru Paksha mean that anyone planning a wedding or housewarming should look well past September — and, in fact, past Pitru Paksha as well — toward the Lala Ramswaroop Calendar for November, once Dev Uthani Ekadashi brings Chaturmas to a close.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1 When is Krishna Janmashtami in 2026?
Krishna Janmashtami falls on Friday, September 4, 2026, observed with a midnight Abhishek especially in Mathura and Vrindavan.
Q.2 When does Ganeshotsav start and end in 2026?
Ganeshotsav begins with Ganesh Chaturthi on September 14, 2026, and concludes ten days later with Ganpati Visarjan on Anant Chaturdashi, September 25, 2026.
Q.3 When does Pitru Paksha begin in 2026?
Pitru Paksha begins on September 27, 2026, the day after Bhadrapada Purnima, and continues for 15 days.
Q.4 What is Parivartini Ekadashi?
It is the Ekadashi believed to mark the day Lord Vishnu turns onto his other side during his Chaturmas sleep; it is also known as Jalajhulani Ekadashi in some regions.