Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most celebrated festivals in India, but did you know that it is also celebrated with the same devotion and joy in the United States? Over the last few decades, the Indian community has brought this tradition overseas, making it a grand event in many American cities. If you are planning to experience Ganesh Chaturthi in the USA, here’s everything you need to know.
1 Major Cities in the USA That Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is widely celebrated in cities with a large Indian population. Some of the top places include:
New Jersey & New York – Huge gatherings and cultural programs.
California (Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose) – Traditional processions and large community celebrations.
Texas (Houston, Dallas) – Special poojas and cultural dances.
Chicago & Atlanta – Popular for temple decorations and bhajans.
Seattle & Boston – Community-based Ganesh installations and cultural events.
2 How is the Ganesh Festival Celebrated in the USA?
The celebrations in the United States may not be as massive as Mumbai or Pune, but the spirit is the same. Here’s what you’ll find:
Ganesh Idol Installation – Temples and Indian communities install clay or eco-friendly idols.
Cultural Programs – Music, dance, and storytelling about Lord Ganesha.
Prasad & Food Stalls – Delicious Indian sweets like modaks, laddus, and kheer are distributed.
Visarjan (Immersion Ceremony) – In some places, idols are immersed in lakes or rivers with eco-friendly practices, while others use symbolic immersion inside temples.
3 How Much Does It Cost to Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in the US?
The festival is designed to be affordable for everyone, thanks to community support. Below is a simple breakdown of the expenses:
Entry Fee – Free to $10 (many temple events are free).
Food Stalls – Indian meals cost around $8–$15 per plate.
Special Pooja Tickets – Ranges from $51 – $151, depending on the rituals.
Cultural Shows – Some programs are free, while ticketed shows may cost $20–$50.
Parking – Around $5 – $15, depending on the city.
On average, you can enjoy a full day of celebrations for $20 – $50 per person, including food and activities.
4 Best Time to Visit
Ganesh Chaturthi usually falls in August or September. In the US, most celebrations happen on weekends so that families and working professionals can attend. The festival lasts 1.5 days, 5 days, or 10 days, depending on the temple or community.
5 What Makes Ganesh Chaturthi in the USA Special?
Unity of Communities – Different regional groups (Maharashtrian, Telugu, Tamil, Gujarati) come together.
Cultural Exchange – Non-Indians also join in, making it a global celebration.
Eco-Friendly Idols – More focus on clay and dissolvable idols.
Mini India Vibes – Food stalls, rangoli competitions, and music make you feel like you’re back home.
6 Tips for Travelers
Book Early Flights – August–September is a busy season; flights from India to the USA cost around Rs70,000 – Rs1,20,000 ($850 – $1450).
Stay Options – Budget hotels start at $70 per night, while mid-range hotels are around $120 – $200 per night.
Local Transport – Use Uber/Lyft ($10 – $25 per ride) or rent a car if you plan to travel across cities.
Dress Code – Wear traditional Indian clothes to blend into the festive mood.
FAQs on Ganesh Chaturthi in the United States
1 Do people celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in the United States?
Yes, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated across the USA, especially in cities like New Jersey, New York, California, Texas, Chicago, Atlanta, and Seattle, where there are large Indian communities.
2. Do I need tickets to attend Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in the USA?
Most temple celebrations are free. However, special poojas, cultural programs, or concerts may require tickets costing $10 – $50.
3. How much does it cost to attend Ganesh Chaturthi in the USA?
Entry: Free to $10
Food: $8 – $15 per plate
Special Poojas: $51 – $151
Cultural Shows: $20 – $50
On average, a family can enjoy the festival for around $20 – $50 per person.
4. How long has Ganesh Chaturthi been celebrated in the USA?
It varies by community. Some temples celebrate for 1.5 days, while others extend it to 5 or 10 days.
5. Where can I see Ganesh Visarjan in the USA?
Some cities like New Jersey, Houston, and San Francisco hold eco-friendly visarjan in rivers or lakes. Other temples perform symbolic visarjan inside the premises.
6. What kind of food is served during Ganesh Chaturthi in the USA?
You’ll find traditional Indian dishes such as modaks, laddus, poha, dosa, samosa, and biryani along with refreshing drinks.
7. Can non-Indians attend Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in the USA?
Absolutely! The festival is open to all. Many Americans join in to learn about Indian culture, try Indian food, and enjoy cultural performances.
8. What should I wear to Ganesh Chaturthi in the USA?
It’s best to wear traditional Indian clothes like a kurta, a saree, or a salwar kameez. However, modest casual wear is also acceptable.
9. When is Ganesh Chaturthi in 2025?
In 2025, Ganesh Chaturthi will begin on Friday, August 29, 2025, and last for 10 days, ending on Sunday, September 7, 2025.
10. Can I book a Ganesh idol in the USA?
Yes, many temples and Indian community groups arrange eco-friendly clay idols that can be pre-booked. Prices range from $40 – $200, depending on size.
