Vinayaka Chaturthi fervour in Thiruvananthapuram; Special prayers in temples today

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Devotees across the world will celebrate Vinayaka Chaturthi today. Special rituals—including Ganapathi Homam, Ashtadravya Maha Ganapathi Homam, various pujas, and offerings—will be conducted at temples, particularly those dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Vinayaka Chaturthi in Kerala for 2026 is observed on Monday, September 14, 2026, aligning with the fourth day of Shukla Paksha in the Malayalam month of Chingam.

It is believed that performing Ganapathi Homam on this day alleviates all sorrows and bestows prosperity. There is also a belief that propitiating Lord Ganesha through the *Ashtadravya Homam* (a ritual offering of eight specific sacred items) yields benefits that last for a full year. The eight sacred items (*Ashtadravyas*) are dried coconut, banana, sugarcane, honey, jaggery, Appam, Ada, and Malar (puffed rice).

Special Ganapathi Homams will be performed at the Pazhavangadi, Vanchiyoor Kammattam, Vazhuthacaud, Kumarapuram, and Valiyashala temples.

Special Ganapathi Homams and other rituals will take place at the Pazhanchira Devi Temple starting this morning. At the Pulikkal Bhagavathi Temple, a Koottu Ganapathi Homam is scheduled for 6:30 am, followed by a special Ganesha Puja in the evening. Events at the Akkulam Ayaniyarthala Durga Devi Temple include an Ashtadravya Koottu Maha Ganapathi Homam at 6:00 am; offerings of *Appam Moodal*, *Modakam*, and *Laddu* at 8:00 AM; *Pongala* at 8:30 AM; a special puja at 10:00 AM; and the distribution of *Prasadam* at 11:00 AM.

*Prasadam* distribution will take place at 11:00 AM at the Pettah Thazhassery Virat Vishwa Brahma Temple.