Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 in Bartlett: Events, Puja & Where to Celebrate

TL;DR

Ganesh Chaturthi falls on September 14 this year, and the South Asian community in the Bartlett/Memphis area has a full calendar leading up to it. The India Cultural Center and Temple in Eads is running a series of special ceremonies through the month. Here's what's happening, where, and how to plan your participation.

September at a Glance: More Than Just Ganesh Chaturthi

While Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 on September 14 is the headline festival, September is packed with observances. The month opens with Krishna Janmashtami 2026 on September 4 — one of the most celebrated events in the Hindu calendar. Amavasya falls on September 10, Ekadashi on September 22, Pradosh Vrat on September 24, Purnima on September 26, and Sankashti Chaturthi on September 29.

For South Asian families in Bartlett and the broader Memphis metro, the India Cultural Center and Temple (ICCT) is the primary venue for organized religious events this month.

India Cultural Center and Temple Events (September 4–7)

The India Cultural Center and Temple at 12005 Highway 64, Eads, TN 38028 — reachable at (901) 202-6070 — has a concentrated stretch of events in the first week of September.

Sri Krishna Janmastami Celebrations (September 4)

The temple hosts Sri Krishna Janmastami Celebrations on September 4, marking the birth of Lord Krishna. Janmashtami celebrations typically include bhajans, an abhishek of the Krishna deity, and a midnight puja. The ICCT event page is listed at icctmemphis.org — check there for exact start times and any registration requirements.

Shravan Shukravar – Lakshmi Abhishekam (September 4)

Also on September 4, the temple observes Shravan Shukravar – Lakshmi Abhishekam — a ritual bathing of the Lakshmi deity that is traditionally performed on Fridays during the holy month of Shravan. Abhishekam ceremonies involve pouring sacred substances (milk, honey, rosewater, turmeric) over the deity while chanting mantras.

Navagraha Abhishekam (September 5)

On September 5, the temple conducts a Navagraha Abhishekam — a ceremony honoring the nine celestial bodies (Navagrahas) that are central to Hindu astrology and ritual practice. Devotees participate to seek balance, remove doshas (astrological afflictions), and seek blessings for health and prosperity. The ICCT page at icctmemphis.org has program details.

Shravan Somvar – Shiva Abhishekam (September 7)

September 7 brings Shravan Somvar – Shiva Abhishekam at the temple. Mondays (Somvar) in Shravan are among the most auspicious days for Shiva worship, and the ICCT observes this with a full Abhishekam ceremony. Devotees fast through the day and participate in the evening puja.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 (September 14)

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 falls on Sunday, September 14 — a practical day for families to gather. The festival marks the birth of Lord Ganesha and is traditionally observed with puja, modak offerings, and community celebration.

For the Bartlett area, the India Cultural Center and Temple and the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Memphis are the two main community centers likely to hold Ganesh Chaturthi programs.

Check icctmemphis.org for any special Chaturthi puja scheduling. The BAPS Mandir can be reached at (901) 794-0343 — their address is 4790 American Way, Memphis, TN 38118.

Note: Specific Ganesh Chaturthi program details for both temples were not confirmed at time of writing. Call ahead or check temple websites for current schedules.

Both Temples: What to Know

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Memphis

• Address: 4790 American Way, Memphis, TN 38118
• Phone: (901) 794-0343

The BAPS Mandir follows the Swaminarayan tradition and holds regular programs, festivals, and cultural events. For major Hindu festivals, BAPS mandirs typically organize special assemblies (satsangs), deity worship, and community meals (prasad).

India Cultural Center and Temple

• Address: 12005 Highway 64, Eads, TN 38028
• Phone: (901) 202-6070
• Website: icctmemphis.org

The ICCT serves as a multi-denominational Hindu temple and cultural center for the greater Memphis area. It is the primary venue for the September event series confirmed above.

Insider Tip

Driving from Bartlett to the India Cultural Center and Temple in Eads takes roughly 25–30 minutes depending on traffic. If you're planning to attend the September 4 double-event (Janmastami Celebrations and Lakshmi Abhishekam), call the temple ahead to confirm timing and whether the events run consecutively or simultaneously. For Abhishekam ceremonies, arriving early is advisable — space near the sanctum can fill up quickly.

Later in September

Pradosh Vrat on September 8 and September 24, Amavasya on September 10, Ekadashi on September 22, Purnima on September 26, and Sankashti Chaturthi on September 29 round out the month. Sankashti Chaturthi — the fourth day of the waning moon — is a monthly fast dedicated to Ganesha and a natural bookend to the Chaturthi celebrations on September 14.

FAQ

Q: Do I need to register to attend temple events in Eads or Memphis?

A: Some ICCT events require prior registration, particularly for large festivals or ceremonies with limited space. The best approach is to check icctmemphis.org or call (901) 202-6070 in advance. Walk-ins are often welcome for general darshan, but special programs like Abhishekam may have participation limits.

Q: Is Bartlett itself the right city to search, or should I search Memphis?

A: For temple events, Memphis and Eads are the practical search terms. Bartlett is a suburb in Shelby County, and the South Asian community spans Bartlett, Germantown, Collierville, and Memphis proper. Both temples listed here serve this entire corridor.

Q: What should I bring to an Abhishekam ceremony?

A: Traditionally, devotees may bring offerings such as flowers, fruit, or coconuts, though many temples provide these as part of the ceremony. Dress modestly. Remove footwear before entering the sanctum. Arrive before the start time — Abhishekam ceremonies often begin promptly.

Bottom Line

For South Asians in Bartlett and the Memphis metro, September 2026 is anchored by the India Cultural Center and Temple's rich event schedule in the first week and Ganesh Chaturthi on the 14th. Keep icctmemphis.org bookmarked and the ICCT phone number handy — (901) 202-6070 — as details for individual ceremonies can shift closer to the date.