A complete step-by-step guide to performing the puja at home.
Dedicated to Lord Ganesha (Siddhi Vinayaka)
Bathe early in the morning and wear clean clothes (preferably red or yellow). Clean the puja area and sprinkle Gangajal around it for purification.
Sit facing east or north. Hold water, akshat, and a flower in your right palm. State your name, gotra, place, date, and your intention: to worship Lord Ganesha for the removal of all obstacles. Release the items into a plate with the Sankalp mantra.
ॐ विष्णुर्विष्णुर्विष्णुः। श्रीमद्भगवतो महापुरुषस्य विष्णोराज्ञया प्रवर्तमानस्य अद्य श्री गणेश चतुर्थी शुभ पुण्य तिथौ ... (local Sankalp)
Place the kalash (pot filled with water, a coin, akshat) to the right of the Ganesha idol. Insert five mango leaves around the rim and place a coconut wrapped in red cloth on top. Tie moli around the kalash.
Invoke Lord Ganesha into the clay idol by placing a flower on his heart and chanting the Pranapratishtha mantra. This invites the living presence of the deity into the murti.
ॐ अस्य प्राणाः प्रतिष्ठन्तु अस्य प्राणाः क्षरन्तु च। श्रीगणपतये नमः प्राणप्रतिष्ठा सिद्ध्यर्थम्।
Perform the sixteen-step worship: Asana (seat), Padya (water to wash feet), Arghya (water for hands), Achamaniya (sip water), Snana (bathe with panchamrit, then Gangajal), Vastra (offer red cloth), Yajnopavita (sacred thread), Gandha (sandalwood paste), Akshat (rice), Pushpa (flowers — 21 durva is mandatory), Dhupa (incense), Deepa (lamp), Naivedya (modak and fruits), Tambula (betel), Pradakshina (circumambulation), Namaskar.
ॐ गं गणपतये नमः — repeated with each upachara
Recite the Ganapati Atharvashirsha once or the Sankatnashan Ganesh Stotra for the removal of obstacles. If time permits, chant 'Om Gan Ganapataye Namah' 108 times on a rudraksha mala.
ॐ गं गणपतये नमः॥ ॐ नमस्ते गणपतये। त्वमेव प्रत्यक्षं तत्त्वमसि।
Offer 21 bunches of durva grass on the feet of Ganesha with the Ekavimshati Nama stotra — each name followed by 'durvaankurebhyo namah'. Durva is said to be Ganesha's most beloved offering.
Light camphor in the aarti thali and perform the aarti by circling the flame clockwise before the idol while singing 'Sukh Karta Dukh Harta Varta Vighna chi'. Ring the bell throughout the aarti.
सुख कर्ता दुःख हर्ता वार्ता विघ्नाची। नूर्वी पुरवी प्रेम कृपा जयाची॥
Offer a handful of flowers (pushpanjali) to the deity while reciting the Ganesh Pushpanjali Mantra. Then circle the idol three times clockwise (pradakshina) and prostrate (namaskar).
Distribute the naivedya — especially the modaks — as prasad to family members and guests. Chant 'Ganapati Bappa Morya' as you distribute.
This guide reflects classical Parashari tradition. Regional variations exist — consult a family priest for specifics.