Ganesh Chaturthi—also known as Vinayaka Chavithi or Vinayagar Chaturthi—will be celebrated on Monday, September 14, 2026. This joyful festival honors Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the deity associated with wisdom, prosperity and auspicious new beginnings. Families welcome Lord Ganesha into their homes, decorate the puja area, offer prayers and prepare traditional naivedyam such as modak, kudumulu, undrallu and laddus.

## Why Are Flowers Important?

Fresh flowers bring beauty, fragrance and a sense of purity to the celebration. Flower strings and garlands are traditionally used to decorate the Ganesha murti, doorway and puja mandap, while loose flowers are offered during archana and prayer. Devotees may use various fresh, fragrant flowers depending on family and regional traditions.

Devotees may use:

-   Jasmine and Mullai strings

-   Button roses and Paneer roses

-   Lily and Sampangi

-   Lotus

-   Other fresh, fragrant flowers

The most important part of any offering is the devotion and sincerity with which it is made.

What Is Patri or Pathri?

Patri—also written as Pathri or Patra—refers to sacred leaves offered during Ganesh Puja. One well-known tradition is the Eka-Vimshati Patra Puja, in which 21 different leaves are offered to Lord Ganesha, often while reciting one of His sacred names with each offering.

The number 21 is traditionally associated with completeness and the symbolic offering of one’s mind, body and spirit to Lord Ganesha.

The 21 Sacred Leaves

The names and exact selection of patri can vary by region, language, family custom and religious tradition. Devotees should follow their established tradition or consult their priest when selecting patri, as plant names and accepted lists differ across communities. A commonly referenced list of the 21 sacred leaves includes:

1.  Durva Patra

2.  Bel or Bilva Patra

3.  Shami Patra

4.  Bhringraj Patra

5.  Ber Patra

6.  Datura Patra

7.  Sem Patra

8.  Apamarga Patra

9.  Bhatakataiya Patra

10. Tej Patra

11. Agastya Patra

12. Kaner Patra

13. Kadali or Banana Leaf

14. Arka Patra

15. Arjuna Patra

16. Deodar Patra

17. Mogra Patra

18. Shankhpushpi Patra

19. Marua Patra

20. Ketaki Patra

21. Peepal Patra

> **IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: Certain ritual leaves, including Datura, Arka and Kaner, should not be eaten and must be kept separate from food and away from children and pets.**

Durva Grass and Other Puja Leaves

Durva grass—known as Garika in Telugu and Arugampul in Tamil—is one of the most recognized offerings to Lord Ganesha. Banana leaves may be used when arranging offerings or serving prasadam. Paan or betel leaves are also commonly included with fruits, coconut and other puja materials, depending on family tradition.

Preparing for Ganesh Chaturthi

A simple preparation checklist may include:

-   Ganesha murti and puja decorations

-   Fresh flower strings and garlands

-   Loose flowers for archana

-   Durva grass and traditional patri

-   Banana leaves and paan leaves

-   Coconut, fruits and betel nuts

-   Turmeric, kumkum, sandalwood and akshata

-   Incense, lamps and camphor

-   Modak, laddus or other homemade naivedyam

Ganesh Chaturthi Flowers and Puja Leaves in Connecticut

Spice Town is preparing to serve Connecticut families with fresh flowers and traditional puja essentials for Ganesh Chaturthi.

Our fresh flower selection may include Jasmine and Mullai strings, Button roses, Paneer roses, Lily/Sampangi and Lotus, along with banana leaves, paan leaves and other puja supplies. Quantities and varieties may be limited, so we strongly recommend contacting us early to check availability and place your preorder.

Ganpati Bappa Morya !

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: The Significance of Flowers, Leaves and Patri