Bringing Bappa home is a joyful, busy time. Between the murti, the decoration and the aarti schedule, the invitation often gets left to a last-minute text. A proper Ganpati invitation does more than share a date — it sets the mood, tells guests exactly when to come for darshan or aarti, and gives grandparents and out-of-town family enough notice to plan a visit. This guide covers when Ganesh Chaturthi falls in 2026, what to put in the invitation, sample wording you can adapt, and how to decide between a printed card and an animated video.

When Is Ganesh Chaturthi 2026?

Ganesh Chaturthi is observed on Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi. In 2026 that lands in mid-September, and homes that keep Bappa for the full period wind up on Anant Chaturdashi.

Many families keep Bappa for a shorter span — 1½, 3, 5 or 7 days — so your own visarjan day depends on your family tradition. Mention your visarjan date in the invitation if you want guests to join the send-off.

Why Send an Invitation for Home Ganpati

A clear invitation saves you a dozen “when should we come?” calls and helps guests arrive at the right time for the right ritual.

• Darshan timing: Guests know when the murti is open for darshan through the day.
• Aarti timing: Morning and evening aarti times let people join the part that matters most to them.
• Prasad or mahaprasad: If you’re hosting a meal or bhajan evening, guests can plan around it.
• Notice for family: Elders and relatives travelling from other cities get time to arrange a visit.
• A keepsake: A warm, well-designed invite is something family happily forward and save.

What to Include in a Ganpati Invitation

• Host family name — the household welcoming Bappa.
• Occasion line — “Shri Ganesh Chaturthi” or “Ganpati Bappa Morya” as the header.
• Ganesh Chaturthi date and, if relevant, your visarjan date.
• Darshan and aarti timings — morning and evening.
• Prasad, mahaprasad or bhajan details if you’re hosting one.
• Full address with a landmark, and a phone or WhatsApp number.
• A short blessing line to close — something warm and personal.

Ganpati Invitation Wording You Can Adapt

Keep it warm and simple. Here are a few starting points you can personalise with your family name and timings. Invitations can be prepared in English, Hindi or Marathi to suit your family and guests.

Card or Video — Which Should You Send?

Both work; the right choice depends on who you’re inviting and how.

Send an animated video invite when…

• You’re inviting mostly over WhatsApp and family groups.
• You want movement, music and a festive feel that a still image can’t match.
• You’d like to include a family photo or your Ganpati decoration theme.

Send a printed or still card when…

• You’re inviting close relatives and elders who prefer something formal.
• You want a design to print for the door or the mandap area.
• You need a quick, clean image to set as a WhatsApp display picture.

Plenty of families send both — a video to the wider circle and a card to a smaller list. Digital invitations from Daily Branding Invites start from ₹499, and can be delivered on WhatsApp within a short turnaround.

A Simple Timeline

• 2 weeks before: Decide your keeping period and visarjan day. Fix darshan and aarti timings.
• 10 days before: Order your invitation card or video with all details.
• 7 days before: Share it on WhatsApp and with the wider family group.
• 2 days before: Send a gentle reminder with the address and aarti time.

Frequently Asked Questions