Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: From India to Abroad, 4 Famous Temples Dedicated to Ganesha

The countdown to Ganesh Chaturthi has begun, with preparations underway across India.

Maharashtra, in particular, is gearing up for the arrival of Bappa as homes and neighbourhoods prepare for the 10-day celebration. From elaborately decorated idols and flower arrangements to traditional sweets, the festive spirit is already beginning to build.

While Ganesh Chaturthi remains deeply rooted in Indian traditions, the worship of Lord Ganesha has travelled far beyond the country. As Indian and Hindu communities established themselves overseas, they carried their customs and religious practices with them. Today, Ganesha temples can be found in several parts of the world, reflecting the spread of Hindu culture and devotion.

Ganesh Chaturthi will be observed on September 14, 2026, with the celebrations ending on September 25 with Anant Chaturdashi. Here are four notable Ganesha temples outside India that showcase the deity’s global presence.

Ganesh Temple at Devasathan, Bangkok

Thailand’s capital is famous for its Buddhist temples, but Hindu traditions also have a strong presence in Bangkok. Lord Ganesha, known locally as Phra Phikanet, is particularly revered and is associated with prosperity, success, creativity and the removal of obstacles.

A shrine dedicated to Ganesha is located within Devasathan, one of Bangkok’s historic Hindu temple complexes. The temple offers a glimpse into the longstanding interaction between Hindu traditions and Thailand’s broader religious and cultural landscape.

Sri Varatharajah Selvavinayagar Temple, Den Helder, Netherlands

Northern Netherlands may seem an unlikely place to find a traditional Ganesha temple, but the town of Den Helder is home to the Sri Varatharajah Selvavinayagar Temple.

Established in 1991 by Sri Lankan Tamil devotees, the temple describes itself as the oldest Ganesha temple in the Netherlands. It has grown into a community institution supported by volunteers, with activities extending beyond religious ceremonies to include education and cultural programmes.

Arulmigu Navasakti Vinayagar Temple, Seychelles

In Victoria, the capital of Seychelles, the Arulmigu Navasakti Vinayagar Temple brings a distinctly South Indian architectural character to the tropical island nation.

Dedicated to Lord Vinayagar, the temple is known for its colourful Dravidian-style gopuram and was built in 1992. It is described as the only Hindu temple in Seychelles and holds an important place in the country’s Indian cultural heritage.

For visitors, the temple offers a unique opportunity to experience Hindu traditions against the backdrop of Seychelles’ tropical landscape and multicultural history.

Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam, New York

New York’s Queens borough is home to the Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam, widely known as the Flushing Ganesh Temple. It is among the prominent traditional Hindu temples in the United States.

The temple is managed by the Hindu Temple Society of North America. Its history goes back to 1970, while the present temple building was completed and consecrated in 1977. Its design follows traditional principles found in the Agama Shastras, making it an important centre for Hindu worship and culture in the US.

From Bangkok to New York, these temples highlight how the devotion to Lord Ganesha has crossed borders while retaining its distinctive traditions, architecture and cultural significance.