September 14 Special: Hartalika Teej & Ganesh Chaturthi—Which Puja Comes First?
What should be done first on September 14—Hartalika Teej Puja or Ganesh Sthapana? Check the correct ritual order, timings, fasting rules and Parana.
Both the Hartalika Teej and the Ganesh Chaturthi pujas would take place on the same day, that is, on September 14, 2026. Which one of these two should take precedence over the other? Should the Teej fast be completed before Ganesh Sthapana, or should Bappa be welcomed first? Know the correct ritual order, puja timings and important rules for this rare festival overlap.
Why Are Hartalika Teej and Ganesh Chaturthi on the Same Day?
Generally, Hartalika Teej takes place prior to the Ganesh Chaturthi puja. The case is somewhat unique because both Hartalika Teej and the Chaturthi tithi happen to coincide in 2026. On September 14, the Chaturthi tithi occurs immediately after the Tritiya tithi on the same day.
According to the Drik Panchang website, the Hartalika Teej Tritiya tithi takes place on September 13 and continues till 7:06 AM on September 14 in Delhi. Therefore, the morning Hartalika Puja Muhurat is between 6:05 AM and 7:06 AM.
This makes it possible to celebrate both the events on the same day following their specific auspicious times.
Perform Hartalika Teej Puja in the Morning
The morning is considered especially auspicious for Hartalika Teej Puja. In Delhi, the 2026 Pratahkal Hartalika Puja Muhurat is 6:05 AM to 7:06 AM. The timings may vary by some time marginally from one city to another.
Once the bath is done early, devotees are expected to wear new or festive clothes. Worship of clay idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is done and traditional offerings are made during the puja session.
The other significant component of this festival is the Hartalika Vrat Katha. It says that Goddess Parvati did severe penance to gain her husband Lord Shiva.
A beautiful shloka for the devotion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is
“शिवं शक्त्या युक्तो यदि भवति शक्तः प्रभवितुं
न चेदेवं देवो न खलु कुशलः स्पन्दितुमपि।”
Lord Shiva becomes capable of creation when united with Shakti; without Shakti, even Shiva cannot manifest His divine power.
The following verse explains the spiritual importance of performing the puja on Hartalika Teej festival.
Ganesh Sthapana Comes After Teej Puja
Now, after performing the morning puja ceremony of Hartalika Teej, the preparations for Ganesh Chaturthi puja can start.
The Ganesh Chaturthi puja muhurat takes place during the mid-afternoon. According to the current Panchang, the Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Muhurat in Delhi is from 11:02 AM to 1:31 PM on September 14, 2026.
Lord Ganesha is installed in a clean chowki during the ceremony of Ganesh Sthapana and is worshipped with flowers, durva, fruits, modaks and various other offerings.
The popular mantra can be chanted during the puja:
“ॐ गं गणपतये नमः।”
Salutations to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and divine source of wisdom and auspicious beginnings.
Should the Hartalika Fast Be Broken Before Ganesh Puja?
This is where devotees need to be particularly careful.
Completing Hartalika Teej Puja in the morning does not automatically mean that the nirjala fast should be broken immediately. Traditional Hartalika vrat can still be done throughout the day as per the family custom and local Panchang. Hence, fasting women should not think that Ganesh Sthapana is necessary before consuming anything.
The right way to perform parana can be done as per the traditional family custom or a reliable local Panchang
Explore Further: Why Is Lord Ganesha Shown Sitting in Different Ways? Know the Meaning Behind Each Posture
Keep Both Pujas Separate
Maintaining different puja places can help in making the day more convenient. Separate chowki can be made for the idol of Shiva-Parvati for Hartalika Teej, while another place can be kept clean for Lord Ganesha's puja.
After completing the Teej rituals, the puja area can be cleaned before Ganesh Sthapana. This also helps maintain a clear distinction between the two festival observances.
Explore This Topic Further: Hartalika Teej 2026: Why Is This Teej Special? Check Shubh Yogas, Puja Muhurat & Paran Time
The Correct Ritual Order on September 14
For a clear and devotional celebration, the sequence can be remembered simply:
1. Early morning bath and preparation
2. Hartalika Teej Shiva-Parvati Puja
3. Hartalika Vrat Katha and related rituals
4. Follow the prescribed Teej fasting/parana tradition
5. Prepare the Ganesh Chaturthi puja setup
6. Perform Ganesh Sthapana during the Madhyahna muhurat
7. Offer modak, durva and other naivedya to Lord Ganesha
As pointed out by Sanatagyan, what makes this kind of festival pairing unique is not just the performance of all the rituals but the practice of each with full shraddha, cleanliness, and devotion.
On the 14th of September, perform Hartalika Teej Puja in the morning first and then Ganesh Sthapana in the Madhyahna Muhurat. Perform both rituals with devotion, purity, and as per Panchang traditions.
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