Panchangam 14 October 2026 (Wednesday): Kapardisha Chaturthi, Navratri Day 4 (Maa Kushmanda), Tithi, Nakshatra and Ganesha Puja

Quick answer: Wednesday 14 October 2026 is Kapardisha Chaturthi, the bright-fortnight Ganesha Chaturthi of Ashwina, and Navratri Day 4, dedicated to Maa Kushmanda. In Hyderabad, Shukla Chaturthi lasts until 01:13 AM IST on 15 October and Anuradha nakshatra until 04:03 AM on 15 October.

Wednesday is Ganesha's day in many homes, and this Wednesday is also his Chaturthi. In the middle of the Goddess's nine nights, it is a gentle reminder that every worship begins with the remover of obstacles. Start the morning with Ganapati, then turn to Kushmanda, the smiling mother who, as tradition tells, lit the universe.

Today's panchang (Hyderabad)

Source: Drik Panchang for Hyderabad. Chaturthi covers the whole day, so any daytime Ganesha puja falls within it.

Navratri Day 4: Maa Kushmanda

Kushmanda is the fourth Navadurga. Tradition says that when there was only darkness, her smile created the cosmic egg and brought light, which is why she is linked with the Sun's radiance. She is shown with eight arms on a lion. Malpua is a common bhog and royal blue is the Day 4 colour on many lists. Her dhyana shloka and full worship are in our Navratri 2026 Day 4: Maa Kushmanda guide.

Religious significance

Every lunar month has two Chaturthis: the Sankashti Chaturthi in the dark fortnight and the Vinayaka Chaturthi in the bright fortnight. Drik names today's bright Chaturthi of Ashwina Kapardisha Chaturthi. Regional calendars use several names for the monthly Chaturthis; whatever the name, the worship is that of Ganesha with durva grass, modakam or another sweet, and a lamp. Ganesha being worshipped first (Prathama Pujya) is a near-universal custom; see why Ganesha is worshipped first.

Atla Bathukamma: in Telangana the fifth day of Bathukamma is named after the atlu (dosa-like pancakes) offered as naivedyam. Anuradha nakshatra is traditionally presided over by Mitra, the deity of friendship, a fitting note for a day of family worship.

Simple puja vidhi for today

1. Begin with Ganesha: light a lamp before his image, offer durva grass (21 blades if you have them, a few if not), a red flower and a sweet.
2. Chant the Ganesha mantra below 11 or 108 times.
3. Then turn to the Navratri kalash: offer a flower to Maa Kushmanda, chant her naam mantra and offer malpua or any sweet as bhog.
4. Water the sown grain and close with aarti.

Essentials vs optional: a lamp, a flower and the mantra are essential; durva, modakam and the count of 21 are cherished customs. No materials? Fold your hands, picture Ganesha, chant his name and offer the day's work to him.

Mantra for the day

Om Gam Ganapataye Namah (oṃ gaṃ gaṇapataye namaḥ): "Salutations to Ganapati," with "gam" as his seed syllable. It is the most widely chanted Ganesha mantra and needs no initiation. Chant it with devotion, offering your efforts to him rather than expecting a particular outcome.

Fasting today

Some devotees fast until the Ganesha puja and eat a simple meal afterwards, alongside their Navratri vrat. These are optional customs. Elderly people, pregnant women and anyone with a medical condition should consult a doctor and need not fast.

What you can do today

• Offer durva grass and a sweet to Ganesha before starting work.
• Chant Om Gam Ganapataye Namah 108 times.
• Offer malpua or a sweet to Maa Kushmanda and wear royal blue if you follow the colours.
• Smile deliberately at three people today; Kushmanda's smile is the theme of the day.
• Clear one obstacle you have been postponing: a pending call, form or conversation.
• In Telangana, prepare atlu for the evening Bathukamma.

With family and children

Children love Ganesha. Let them count out the durva blades and offer them. Then tell them how Kushmanda's smile lit up a dark universe and ask them to draw it with yellow and orange crayons. Our Ganesha stories and Puranic legends and Navratri stories for kids are good bedtime reading.

Hindus abroad: today's panchang in your city

These are local clock times for each city, computed with HinduTone's panchang calculator, validated against Drik Panchang; festival dates abroad can differ by a day — follow your temple's panchang. Never add or subtract hours from the Hyderabad times to get your local time.

Note that Sydney has Vishakha at sunrise while most other cities have Anuradha; nakshatras change at a single moment worldwide, so local sunrise decides which one you see on your calendar.

Frequently asked questions

What is Kapardisha Chaturthi?

Drik Panchang lists Wednesday 14 October 2026 as Kapardisha Chaturthi. It is the Shukla Chaturthi of Ashwina, the monthly bright-fortnight Ganesha day (often called Vinayaka Chaturthi), which some calendars mark with this special name. Families worship Ganesha as on any Shukla Chaturthi.

How long does Chaturthi last on 14 October 2026?

In Hyderabad, Shukla Chaturthi lasts all day and ends at 01:13 AM IST on 15 October, after which Panchami begins. Ganesha puja is usually done in the daytime, often around midday.

Which goddess is worshipped on Navratri Day 4?

Maa Kushmanda, worshipped on Wednesday 14 October 2026. Tradition says her gentle smile brought light into a dark universe.

Is it wrong to see the Moon on this Chaturthi?

The well-known custom of avoiding the Moon applies to Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi, the main Ganesh Chaturthi. Some families extend it to every Shukla Chaturthi and others do not. Follow your family's practice; it is a custom, not a cause for fear.

Can I worship Ganesha and the Goddess on the same day?

Yes. Ganesha is traditionally invoked first in almost every puja, so beginning today's Navratri worship with Ganesha and then praying to Maa Kushmanda is entirely natural.

A reflection

Ganesha clears the path and Kushmanda lights it. Today, begin something with a prayer, and meet the people around you with a smile.

Editor's note

Editor's note (9 October 2026): Panchang timings and festival observances can vary by location, regional calendar and family tradition. This guide follows Drik Panchang for Hyderabad (IST). Please verify local puja timings with a trusted panchang or priest.

Previous and next day

Previous day: Panchang Tuesday 13 October: Tritiya, Vishakha. Next day: Panchang Thursday 15 October: Upang Lalita Vrat. Whole month: October 2026 Hindu festival calendar.

Related guides

• Navratri 2026 Day 4: Maa Kushmanda
• Ganesha Gayatri Mantra
• Why Ganesha is offered 21 blades of durva grass
• Ganesha Pancharatnam Stotram: lyrics and meaning
• Navratri 2026: complete guide to the nine days