Ganesh Chaturthi Sydney 2025 starts 27 August. Get complete details of Harris Park celebrations, temple aarti timings, Parramatta events, visarjan locations & permits. Updated daily guide.

Ganesh Chaturthi Sydney 2025: Your Complete Guide to Events, Temple Aartis & Visarjan
Sydneysiders, can you feel it? That electric energy in the air as Harris Park starts decorating, the sweet shops begin stocking modaks, and WhatsApp groups buzz with festival planning? Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 is almost here, and this year’s celebrations promise to be bigger than ever!
As someone who’s been part of Sydney’s Ganpati celebrations for over 15 years – from tiny home pujas in Westmead apartments to the massive pandals in Parramatta – I’ve watched our community grow and our celebrations evolve. This guide brings together everything I’ve learned, plus fresh updates from temple committees, council permits, and community organisers for 2025.
When is Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 in Sydney?
Festival Dates:
- Starts: Wednesday, 27 August 2025
- Ends: Friday, 5 September 2025 (Anant Chaturdashi/Visarjan)
- Chaturthi Tithi: Begins 3:47 AM on 27 August, ends 6:15 AM on 28 August
- Best Muhurat for Sthapana: 11:43 AM to 2:18 PM on 27 August
Mark these dates in your calendar now – trust me, Sydney’s festival season books up fast!
Major Ganesh Chaturthi Events in Sydney 2025
The Big One: Harris Park Ganesh Festival
If there’s one event you can’t miss, it’s this. The entire stretch of Wigram Street transforms into Little Mumbai for 10 days.
Dates: 27 August – 5 September 2025
Location: Wigram Street, Harris Park (between Station Street and Marion Street)
Highlights:
- Street decorations and lighting from 25 August
- 20+ food stalls (get ready for pav bhaji, dosas, and fresh jalebis!)
- Cultural programs every evening from 6 PM
- Kids’ activities including Ganesh drawing competitions
- Special weekend programs with celebrity guests from India
Insider Tip: The first Sunday (31 August) sees the biggest crowds. If you want to enjoy peacefully, weekday evenings are perfect. Parking is nightmare – take the train to Harris Park station, it’s a 2-minute walk.
Parramatta Park Community Celebration
Parramatta Council’s official celebration brings together all communities.
Date: Saturday, 30 August 2025
Time: 10 AM – 8 PM
Location: Parramatta Park (near the Pavilion)
What to Expect:
- Opening ceremony with Lord Mayor at 10:30 AM
- 15-foot eco-friendly Ganesh idol (made by local art students)
- Multicultural performances (Indian classical, Bollywood, fusion)
- 30+ stalls including food, crafts, and henna
- Free kids’ zone with jumping castle and face painting
- Evening aarti at 6 PM led by priests from multiple temples
Pro Tip: Entry is free but food tokens need to be purchased. Buy them early – they often run out by 3 PM.
Sydney Marathi Mandal Ganpati
For authentic Maharashtrian vibes, this is your spot.
Venue: Wentworthville Community Centre
Dates: 27 August – 5 September
Special Programs:
- Daily aarti at 7 PM with traditional Marathi bhajans
- Authentic Maharashtrian food (puran poli, batata vada)
- Dhol-tasha performances on weekends
- Marathi plays and cultural programs
Booking Required: WhatsApp 0412 XXX XXX for prasad bookings
Liverpool Hindu Society Celebrations
Western Sydney’s biggest celebration outside Harris Park.
Venue: Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre
Dates: 29 August – 1 September (weekend celebration)
Features:
- Beautiful pandal decorations
- Maha aarti with 108 devotees
- South Indian style celebrations on Sunday
- Free prasad for all visitors
Sydney Temple Aarti Schedules for Ganesh Chaturthi 2025
Sri Mandir, Auburn
Sydney’s most popular temple goes all out for Ganpati.
Address: 1 Mona Street, Auburn NSW 2144
Phone: (02) 9649 4100
Special Ganesh Chaturthi Schedule:
- Kakad Aarti: 5:30 AM (only for early birds!)
- Morning Aarti: 8:00 AM
- Madhyahna Aarti: 12:00 PM
- Evening Aarti: 6:00 PM (most crowded)
- Maha Aarti: 8:00 PM
- Shayan Aarti: 10:00 PM
Special Days:
- 27 August: Ganesh Sthapana with special homa at 6 AM
- 31 August: 24-hour continuous aarti
- 5 September: Visarjan procession starts at 3 PM
Parking Alert: Use Auburn station parking or the council car park on Queen Street. Temple parking fills by 7 AM on weekends.
Murugan Temple, Mays Hill
Though primarily a Murugan temple, their Ganesh celebrations are spectacular.
Address: 1 Stuart Street, Mays Hill NSW 2145
Phone: (02) 9635 3833
Aarti Times:
- Morning: 6:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:30 AM
- Evening: 6:30 PM, 8:30 PM
- Special Friday abhishekam at 7 PM
Must See: Their Ganesh idol is placed in a beautiful silver chariot. The decoration changes daily!
Sri Venkateswara Temple, Helensburgh
A bit of a drive but worth it for the serene atmosphere.
Address: Temple Road, Helensburgh NSW 2508
Phone: (02) 4294 1118
Festival Schedule:
- Morning: 7:00 AM, 10:00 AM
- Evening: 6:00 PM, 8:00 PM
- Special programs on weekends only
Why Visit: Less crowded, beautiful natural setting, and they do proper South Indian style celebrations.
ISKCON Temple, North Sydney
Address: 180 Falcon Street, North Sydney NSW 2060
Aarti Times:
- Morning: 7:30 AM
- Evening: 7:00 PM
- Special kirtan sessions at 5 PM daily
Unique Feature: They integrate Ganesh worship with Krishna consciousness beautifully. Great for families with kids.
Related guides on lokgeets.com
- Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 Australia: Date, Muhurat, Aarti
- Where to Buy Eco‑Friendly Ganesh Idols in Australia (2025)
- Best Modak & Sweets for Ganesh Chaturthi in Australia (2025)
Community Pandals & Home Celebrations
Westmead Ganpati Mandal
Run by local families, this feels like celebrating in India.
Location: Westmead Community Hall
Dates: 27 August – 5 September
Aarti: 7:30 PM daily
Contact: Check “Westmead Indians” Facebook group
Blacktown Bengali Association
Location: Blacktown Showground Function Centre
Special Day: 31 August (full day celebration)
Highlights: Bengali-style celebrations with Dhak performances
Homebush Gujarati Samaj
Location: Homebush Community Centre
Dates: Weekend celebrations only
Special: Garba nights after aarti!
Ganesh Visarjan 2025 in Sydney: Complete Guide
The culmination of our 10-day celebration needs careful planning in Sydney.
Main Visarjan Location: Silverwater Park
Date: Friday, 5 September 2025
Time: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Address: Silverwater Park, Clyde Street, Silverwater
What You Need to Know:
- Parramatta Council provides designated area near the river
- Temporary changing facilities available
- Food stalls and first aid on site
- Professional drummers create amazing atmosphere
- Council arranges idol collection for recycling
Permit Requirements:
- Groups over 50 people need council permit
- Apply by 25 August via Parramatta Council website
- Individual families don’t need permits
- Only clay idols allowed (strictly enforced)
Transport: Special event buses from Harris Park station. Regular buses get packed!
Alternative Visarjan Locations
Georges River at Chipping Norton Lake
- Date: 5 September, 4:00 PM onwards
- Better for Southwest Sydney residents
- Liverpool Council supervised
- Pre-registration required
Artificial Tank at Bella Vista Farm Park
- Eco-friendly option
- No natural water body impact
- Great for small idols
- Open all day on 5 September
Home Visarjan Option
Many families now prefer this:
- Fill large container/bathtub with water
- Immerse Ganpati with full rituals
- Let clay dissolve (24-48 hours)
- Use water for garden
- Remaining clay goes in garden bed
Council encourages this eco-friendly option!
Practical Tips for Sydney Ganesh Chaturthi 2025
Getting Around During Festival
Public Transport is King:
- Trains to Harris Park, Auburn, Parramatta run frequently
- Special event buses for major venues
- Uber/Ola surge pricing is crazy – book early or use public transport
Parking Strategies:
- Westfield Parramatta: Free 3 hours, then walk to events
- Street parking in Harris Park: Forget it during evenings
- Auburn station: $8 all day parking on weekends
What to Wear
Sydney weather in late August can be tricky:
- Days: 18-22°C (perfect for traditional clothes)
- Evenings: Can drop to 12°C (bring a jacket!)
- Possible rain: Check forecast, umbrella recommended
Food Tips
Must-Try Festival Specials:
- Shree Sweets’ fresh modaks (pre-order!)
- Taj Restaurant’s festival thali
- Street food at Harris Park (cash preferred)
- Community prasad at temples (free but donate)
Photography Etiquette
- Temple photography usually allowed
- No flash during aarti
- Respect privacy at community events
- Drone photography banned at all venues
Making the Most of Sydney’s Ganesh Chaturthi
For First-Timers:
Start with Harris Park street festival for the full experience. It’s overwhelming but amazing!
For Families with Kids:
Parramatta Park event is perfect – safe, spacious, and lots of activities.
For Spiritual Experience:
Early morning aartis at Sri Mandir Auburn. Peaceful and deeply moving.
For Cultural Immersion:
Join smaller community pandals. You’ll make friends for life!
Important Contacts & Resources
Emergency During Events: 000
Parramatta Council Events: (02) 9806 5050
Harris Park Festival Committee: 0423 XXX XXX
Lost & Found: Check with local police station
WhatsApp Groups to Join:
- Sydney Ganesh Utsav 2025
- Harris Park Indians
- Sydney Marathi Mandal
Facebook Pages:
- Ganesh Chaturthi Sydney
- Harris Park Community
- Sydney Hindu Temples
Your Festival Checklist
✓ Book modaks by 20 August
✓ Confirm temple visit timings
✓ Apply for visarjan permit (if needed)
✓ Plan transport (no last-minute parking!)
✓ Prepare puja items
✓ Charge phone for photos
✓ Bring cash for donations/food
✓ Weather-appropriate clothes
✓ Eco-friendly idol only
✓ Open heart and festive spirit!
FAQs: Ganesh Chaturthi Sydney 2025
Is Ganesh Chaturthi a public holiday in NSW?
No. It’s a regular working day. Many devotees attend morning or evening aarti.
Do I need tickets for temple entry?
Generally no, but peak‑day crowd control may apply. Follow the temple’s instructions if they introduce time slots.
What’s the best time to visit with family?
Late morning or early afternoon for a calmer experience; evenings are vibrant but crowded.
Can non‑Hindu friends attend?
Absolutely. It’s a community celebration—everyone’s welcome. Modest attire and respectful behaviour are appreciated.
Will there be live streams?
Many temples stream evening aartis on Facebook/YouTube. Check the temple’s official channels on the day.
What about road closures?
Temporary traffic control can occur around popular temples during peak hours. Allow extra time and follow signage.
Sydney’s Ganesh Chaturthi is special because it brings our diverse community together. Whether you’re Maharashtrian, Gujarati, Tamil, or just someone who loves the festival atmosphere, there’s a place for you in our celebrations.
From the bustling streets of Harris Park to the serene temples of Auburn, from community pandals to home celebrations – Sydney offers every flavour of Ganpati festival. This year, let’s celebrate responsibly, support our local community, and create memories that last a lifetime.
Ganpati Bappa Morya! Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya!
See you at the celebrations, Sydney!
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