Quick answer: In Bengaluru the festival is Gowri Ganesha Habba: Swarna Gauri Vrata (Gowri Habba) on Sunday, 13 September 2026, followed by Ganesha Chaturthi on Monday, 14 September 2026. It is marked at temples such as Dodda Ganapathi and the Bengaluru Ganesh Utsava, with BBMP immersion tanks.

Karnataka observes the festival as Gowri Ganesha Habba — a two-day celebration. Swarna Gauri Vrata (Gowri Habba), when married women worship Goddess Gowri, falls on Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya, Sunday 13 September 2026, immediately followed by Ganesha Chaturthi on Monday 14 September 2026.

  • Gowri Habba (Swarna Gauri Vrata)Sunday, 13 September 2026
  • Ganesha ChaturthiMonday, 14 September 2026
  • Local nameGowri Ganesha Habba
  • ImmersionBBMP mobile tanks, kalyanis & designated points

Gowri Habba and Ganesha Chaturthi 2026 dates in Karnataka

Gowri Habba is not the same day as Ganesha Chaturthi — it is the day before. On Gowri Habba, women perform the Swarna Gauri Vrata and tie the gauridaara (sacred thread); the next day Lord Ganesha, Gowri’s son, is welcomed. Treating it as a single day is the most common error — plan for both 13 and 14 September.

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Bengaluru Ganesh Utsava and Dodda Ganapathi

The Bengaluru Ganesh Utsava at the National College Grounds, Basavanagudi, is the city’s flagship cultural festival during the season. Nearby, the Shri Dodda Ganapathi Temple in Basavanagudi — famous for its large monolithic Ganesha — is the city’s most-visited Ganesha temple. Confirm the 2026 programme and darshan timings with each.

Mandapams across the city and tech corridor

Utsava samitis run mandapams across Basavanagudi, Malleshwaram, Jayanagar, Rajajinagar and Halasuru, while apartment complexes in the tech corridor — Whitefield, Electronic City, Sarjapur and Bellandur — increasingly organise their own society mandapams, subject to society-level and civic permissions.

Immersion in Bengaluru 2026

The BBMP arranges mobile immersion tanks, kalyanis (temple tanks) and designated points across its zones, with lake immersion restricted to protect water bodies. Follow the BBMP’s designated locations and timings announced for 2026.

Setting up a mandapam in Bengaluru

Setting up a public mandapam needs a stack of permissions: municipal permission for the temporary structure, a police NOC (and traffic-police route approval for a procession), a fire-services NOC for larger pandals, a temporary electricity connection from the DISCOM, and compliance with the state pollution-control board’s idol-material and immersion conditions. Fees, forms, portals and deadlines change year to year and can be modified by High Court orders close to the festival, so always confirm the current requirements on the issuing authority’s official website before applying — and never proceed without the required permissions.

Karnataka Gowri Ganesha traditions

The Swarna Gauri Vrata, the gauridaara thread, the exchange of bagina (auspicious gifts to married women), and offerings of kadubu and modaka are distinctive to Karnataka. Choose eco-friendly clay Ganesha idols and follow KSPCB conditions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is Gowri Habba and Ganesha Chaturthi 2026 in Bengaluru?

Gowri Habba (Swarna Gauri Vrata) is on Sunday, 13 September 2026, and Ganesha Chaturthi is on Monday, 14 September 2026 — two consecutive days.

Is Gowri Habba the same as Ganesha Chaturthi?

No. Gowri Habba is the day before, when women worship Goddess Gowri and tie the gauridaara; Ganesha, her son, is welcomed the next day.

What is the Bengaluru Ganesh Utsava?

It is the city’s flagship cultural festival held at the National College Grounds, Basavanagudi, during the season. Confirm the 2026 programme with the organisers.

Which is the most famous Ganesha temple in Bengaluru?

The Shri Dodda Ganapathi Temple in Basavanagudi, known for its large monolithic Ganesha, is the city’s most-visited Ganesha temple.

How is immersion done in Bengaluru?

The BBMP provides mobile immersion tanks, kalyanis and designated points, with lake immersion restricted. Follow the BBMP’s 2026 designated locations and timings.

What is the Swarna Gauri Vrata?

It is the vrat performed by married women on Gowri Habba to worship Goddess Gowri for family well-being, tying the gauridaara thread and exchanging bagina.

What permissions are needed for a mandapam in Bengaluru?

BBMP permission, a Bengaluru City Police NOC, a fire NOC for larger pandals, a BESCOM temporary connection and KSPCB compliance. Confirm current requirements officially and never proceed without them.

Do apartment complexes hold Ganesha mandapams?

Yes. Many tech-corridor apartment complexes in Whitefield, Electronic City and Sarjapur organise society mandapams, subject to society-level and civic permissions.