Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: 7 Mistakes You Must Avoid During Puja for Divine Blessings

As households across the country gear up to welcome Lord Ganesha this Ganesh Chaturthi, spiritual leaders and astrologers are reminding devotees to be mindful of traditional practices to ensure that their puja brings harmony, prosperity, and blessings. The festival, which celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha—the remover of obstacles and harbinger of good fortune—is not just about rituals but also about the purity of intent.

While devotion is at the heart of the celebration, experts caution that certain common mistakes during the puja can unintentionally reduce its auspiciousness. Here are seven key aspects that devotees are being urged to pay special attention to this year:

1. Placement of the Idol

The direction in which the idol is placed plays a crucial role. As per Vastu Shastra and traditional beliefs, the idol should be positioned in the north or northeast corner of the house or puja area. Placing it in the south is considered inauspicious. The orientation is believed to directly influence the flow of positive energy within the home.

2. Using a Damaged Idol

Priests emphasize that idols with cracks, chips, or damage should never be used in worship. A flawless idol symbolizes completeness and divine grace, while a damaged one is considered a sign of broken energy. Devotees are advised to carefully select an idol that is whole, clean, and respectful of the tradition.

3. Looking at the Moon on Ganesh Chaturthi

A widely known belief connected to this festival is that looking at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi may invite misunderstanding or false accusations. Many families follow this tradition strictly. If one happens to see the moon by mistake, chanting Ganesha’s mantra is recommended to ward off negative effects.

4. Offering the Right Prasad

Food offerings, or naivedya, should be sattvic (pure and light). Devotees are advised to avoid tamasic food items such as onion, garlic, meat, or alcohol during the puja. Instead, offerings such as modaks, laddus, coconut, jaggery, and fresh fruits are considered auspicious and are believed to be Ganesha’s favorites.

5. Cleanliness of the Puja Area

The sanctity of the puja space is essential. The area where the idol is placed should be thoroughly cleaned and decorated with flowers, lamps, and rangoli. Experts remind devotees that clutter and dirt disrupt spiritual vibrations, while a clean and fragrant space enhances focus and devotion.

6. Idol Placement in the Home

Placing the idol in the bedroom or areas considered private is discouraged. Instead, the idol should be installed in a common area such as the living room or a dedicated puja space, where all family members can participate in prayers. This ensures that the deity’s presence spreads positivity throughout the household.

7. Timing and Immersion of the Idol

Performing the puja at the correct shubh muhurta (auspicious time) is said to magnify blessings. Late-night installations are not advised. Additionally, the visarjan (immersion) of the idol should be done respectfully. Throwing the idol in random or dirty water sources is considered disrespectful. Many families are also adopting eco-friendly immersion methods, such as home visarjan in clean water tubs, to honor tradition while protecting the environment.

A Festival of Faith and Mindfulness

Ganesh Chaturthi is more than a ritual—it is a celebration of beginnings, wisdom, and collective joy. While mistakes may happen unknowingly, being aware of these simple yet significant aspects can make the festival more spiritually fulfilling.

As millions of devotees prepare to welcome “Bappa” into their homes, the reminder is clear: purity, respect, and intention matter just as much as the rituals themselves.