Festival · MAHARASHTRA
August–September (Shukla Chaturthi; 10-day festival ending on Anant Chaturdashi) · Astavinayak Circuit
The Astavinayak Circuit's signature festival, celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha across eight sacred temples (Ojhar, Morgaon, Theur, Ranjangaon, Siddhatek, Lenyadri, Mahad, Pali). This ancient 8-temple pilgrimage is most crowded during this 10-day festival when devotees visit all temples for darshan and special pujas.
Why it mattersReligious—deity birth celebration; cultural—iconic Marathi festival; pilgrimage circuit is destination-defining
September is the absolute peak of the Ashtavinayak year. Ganesh Chaturthi (Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi) falls Saturday 12 September 2026 — the 10-day festival running through Anant Chaturdashi Tuesday 22 September 2026. Every one of the eight Ashtavinayak temples runs continuous palki processions, dindi pilgrim groups arriving from across Maharashtra, special abhishek rituals every dawn, full puran-poli prasad distr…
Live in Astavinayak Circuit
SignatureMaharashtrian thali (NH-50 highway anchor)
Maharashtrian thali (₹250) at lunch is the order; for non-pilgrim road-trippers, the Punjabi paneer butter masala is the value option. Open 7am-10:30pm.
SignatureTemple-trust Maharashtrian thali
Lunch service 12-2pm only; arrive by 12:15 to avoid the post-aarti rush. Donation-based or fixed token (₹80-100). Cash only. Outside donation box at exit.
SignaturePure-veg Maharashtrian thali
Open 7am-9pm. Modak available daily (steamed; not just festival-only). Cash + UPI; weekend pilgrim queues 12-2pm — eat at 11am or 3pm.
SignatureMaharashtrian thali (Ballaleshwar temple base)
Modak fresh-steamed daily; ask if you want a take-away box. Pithla bhakri (gram-flour curry + jowar flatbread) is the village-Maharashtrian signature.
Fourth Ashtavinayak temple dedicated to Varadvinayak (the wish-fulfilling Ganesha). Built on a small island in the Ulhas river.
Fifth Ashtavinayak temple dedicated to Chintamani (the wish-fulfilling Ganesha). Located in Pune district on the banks of Indrayani river.
One of the eight Ashtavinayak temples. Dedicated to Mayureshwar (Ganesha riding peacock). Located in Pune district.
Second of the eight Ashtavinayak temples. Dedicated to Siddhivinayak (the Ganesha of prosperity). Situated on a hilltop in Ahmednagar district.
Third Ashtavinayak temple dedicated to Ballaleshwar (the wish-granting Ganesha). Located in Raigad district near Mahad.
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