Anant Chaturdashi 2026

Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturdashi, associated with Ananta Vrat and Ganesh Visarjan.

Anant Chaturdashi honours Vishnu in his boundless form, Ananta, and is observed on Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturdashi. In the traditional vrat-katha, Sushila, daughter of the learned Sumanta, marries the sage Kaundinya. While travelling to their new home, she sees women worshipping Ananta and asks about their vow. They describe the sacred thread with fourteen knots and the worship of Vishnu. Sushila follows the rite and ties the thread on her arm. Her household prospers, but Kaundinya becomes proud. Believing their good fortune came from his own effort alone, he angrily tears away the thread and throws it into the fire.

Misfortune follows. Kaundinya repents and wanders in search of Ananta, encountering strange sights along the way. After hardship and despair, Vishnu appears to him and reveals that sincere devotion must be joined with humility. Kaundinya returns, observes the vow respectfully and the story describes restoration of the household's prosperity. Some versions recommend keeping the Ananta vow for fourteen years. The tale emphasizes trust, responsibility and the danger of arrogance; its miracles belong to religious tradition rather than recorded history.

The Ananta thread is traditionally prepared with fourteen knots and worshipped along with Vishnu. On the same lunar date, many households and public groups immerse Ganesha images at the end of their chosen installation period, but Ganesh Visarjan is a separate ritual with its own significance. Jain Dashalakshana and forgiveness observances occur near this season and should not automatically be dated from the Ananta Vrat rule.

The Ananta Vrat teaches humility and perseverance; Ganesh Visarjan is a separate observance on the same tithi.

Worship Vishnu as Ananta and a ceremonial thread with fourteen knots. Ganesha immersion follows each household's installation schedule and local arrangements.

Ananta Vrat and Ganesh Visarjan are separate observances sharing a lunar day, particularly prominent in different communities. Jain Dashalakshana timings should be kept distinct.