Quick answer: Vinayagar (Pillayar) Chaturthi 2026 in Chennai is on Monday, 14 September 2026, with the Madhyahna sthapana muhurat around midday (confirm the city-specific time). Chennai’s Tamil community worships at Vinayagar temples and public mandapams, with immersion at designated sea points and Greater Chennai Corporation artificial tanks.

In Chennai the festival is known as Vinayagar Chaturthi or Pillayar Chaturthi, reflecting the city’s Tamil Saivite tradition. Households and sarvajanik mandapams across the city install clay Vinayagar murtis, and immersion follows the arrangements set by the Greater Chennai Corporation.

  • Vinayagar Chaturthi 2026Monday, 14 September 2026
  • Tithi begins (IST)7:06 AM, 14 September 2026
  • Local nameVinayagar / Pillayar Chaturthi
  • ImmersionDesignated sea points + GCC artificial tanks

Vinayagar temples for darshan

Chennai has many revered Vinayagar shrines. The Ganesha shrines at the Kapaleeshwarar Temple (Mylapore) and the Parthasarathy Temple (Triplicane), along with Varasidhi Vinayagar temples and neighbourhood Pillayar temples across T Nagar, Anna Nagar, Mylapore and George Town, draw devotees for darshan. Confirm timings with each temple.

Advertisement

Where to see the biggest mandapams

Large public mandapams are organised across North Chennai (Washermanpet, Royapuram, George Town), the central areas (Purasawalkam, Triplicane) and the western and southern suburbs (Ambattur, Velachery, Tambaram). Localities announce their programmes close to the festival.

Immersion in Chennai 2026

Immersion takes place at designated points along the Bay of Bengal (such as the Marina, Besant Nagar and Foreshore Estate areas) and at Greater Chennai Corporation artificial tanks set up across the city. Chennai’s processions and immersion have at times been subject to Madras High Court orders and police route approvals, so the exact points and conditions can change — follow the official arrangements and any court-ordered conditions announced for 2026.

Setting up a mandapam in Chennai

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.

Tamil Vinayagar Chaturthi traditions

Tamil households offer kozhukattai (the steamed dumpling equivalent of modak), draw kolam, and offer the 21 varieties of leaves (patri) to Lord Vinayagar. Eco-friendly clay murtis are strongly encouraged; buy clay Vinayagar idols from local markets ahead of the festival.

See our Ganesh Chaturthi guide and the Sukhkarta Dukhharta aarti. Ganpati Bappa Morya!

Advertisement

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Vinayagar Chaturthi 2026 in Chennai?

It is on Monday, 14 September 2026, with the tithi beginning 7:06 AM IST and a midday Madhyahna sthapana muhurat. Confirm the city-specific time with your temple or purohit.

What is the festival called in Chennai?

It is Vinayagar Chaturthi or Pillayar Chaturthi, reflecting the city’s Tamil Saivite Hindu community.

Where are idols immersed in Chennai?

At designated points along the Bay of Bengal (Marina, Besant Nagar, Foreshore Estate areas) and at Greater Chennai Corporation artificial tanks. Exact points can change by official or court order — follow the 2026 arrangements.

Which Vinayagar temples can I visit?

The Ganesha shrines at Kapaleeshwarar (Mylapore) and Parthasarathy (Triplicane) temples, Varasidhi Vinayagar temples, and neighbourhood Pillayar temples across the city. Confirm timings with each.

What permissions are needed for a public mandapam?

Municipal permission, a police NOC, a fire NOC for larger pandals, a temporary electricity connection and pollution-board compliance. Confirm current forms, fees and deadlines with the issuing authorities and never proceed without them.

What is kozhukattai?

Kozhukattai is the Tamil steamed rice dumpling with a sweet coconut-jaggery filling, the South Indian equivalent of modak, offered to Lord Vinayagar.

Are PoP idols allowed in Chennai?

Pollution-control rules restrict Plaster of Paris and toxic paints in favour of natural clay. Choose eco-friendly clay Vinayagar murtis and follow the current CPCB and Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board conditions.

What is the visarjan date in 2026?

The main immersion on Anant Chaturdashi is 25 September 2026, though many households immerse after a shorter 1.5, 3, 5 or 7-day observance.