Ganesh Chaturthi Canberra 2025 starts 27 August. Find temple timings, family-friendly events, community celebrations, kids activities & prasad locations. Your complete Canberra Ganpati guide.
Canberra Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Your Complete Guide to Family Events & Temple Celebrations
By Ananya Reddy | Last Updated: 26 August 2025 | Canberra Local
G’day Canberra! As I look out my window in Gungahlin at the beautiful spring blossoms starting to appear, I can feel that special excitement building. The family WhatsApp groups are buzzing with plans, kids are already practicing their Ganesh bhajans, and the aunties are coordinating who’s making what prasad. Yes, Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 is almost here, and our capital city is ready to celebrate!
Living in Canberra for seven years, I’ve watched our Ganesh celebrations evolve from small living room gatherings to proper community events that bring together families from Belconnen to Tuggeranong. What makes Canberra special is how family-focused our celebrations are – perfect for the city with the highest percentage of families with young children! This guide has everything you need to make Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 memorable for your whole family.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 Dates & Timings for Canberra
Festival Schedule (AEST – Same as Sydney/Melbourne):
- Festival Starts: Wednesday, 27 August 2025
- Festival Ends: Friday, 5 September 2025 (Anant Chaturdashi)
- Chaturthi Tithi Begins: 3:47 AM on 27 August
- Chaturthi Tithi Ends: 6:15 AM on 28 August
- Best Muhurat for Sthapana: 11:43 AM to 2:18 PM on 27 August
Perfect timing for Canberra – kids are still on school holidays for the start of the festival!
Canberra Temples Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi
Canberra Hindu Temple, Florey
The heart of Hindu celebrations in the capital!
Address: 20 Ratcliffe Crescent, Florey ACT 2615
Phone: (02) 6259 0435
2025 Ganesh Chaturthi Special Schedule:
- Ganesh Sthapana: 27 August, 6:00 AM
- Daily Schedule:
- Morning Aarti: 8:00 AM (perfect for families!)
- Noon Abhishekam: 12:00 PM (weekends only)
- Evening Aarti: 6:30 PM
- Night Aarti: 8:00 PM (Friday & Saturday only)
Family-Friendly Features:
- Dedicated kids’ area with coloring activities
- Baby change facilities
- Pram parking area
- Children’s prasad bags with kid-friendly treats
Special Programs:
- Kids’ Ganesh story time: Daily at 5:30 PM
- Family bhajan session: 7:00 PM
- Youth cultural performances: Weekend evenings
Insider Tip: The temple provides free kids’ activity books about Ganesh. Pick them up at the entrance! Parking is ample but fills up during evening aarti.
Ganesha Saraswati Temple, Mawson
South Canberra’s spiritual hub with excellent family facilities.
Address: 1 Athllon Drive, Mawson ACT 2607
Phone: 0421 XXX XXX
Festival Highlights:
- Morning Pooja: 7:30 AM
- Evening Aarti: 6:00 PM
- Special Kids’ Aarti: 5:00 PM (with simple English explanations)
Why Families Love It:
- Smaller, more intimate setting
- Priests explain rituals in English for kids
- Outdoor play area for children
- Ample parking right outside
ISKCON Canberra, Ainslie
Address: 1 Quick Street, Ainslie ACT 2602
Phone: (02) 6262 6244
Family Programs:
- Morning Program: 7:30 AM
- Kids’ Kirtan: 5:00 PM
- Evening Aarti: 6:30 PM
- Prasadam Dinner: 7:30 PM (kids eat free!)
Special for Families:
- Interactive Ganesh puppet show on weekends
- Kids’ cooking class – making prasad
- Face painting with Ganesh themes
Major Family-Friendly Community Events
Canberra Indian Cultural Centre Ganesh Festival
The biggest family celebration in Canberra!
Venue: Canberra Indian Cultural Centre, Harrison
Dates: 29 August – 31 August 2025
Address: 115 Nullarbor Avenue, Harrison ACT 2914
What Makes It Special for Families:
- Huge kids’ zone with jumping castle
- Ganesh-themed craft workshops
- Children’s cultural performances
- Baby care room available
- Food stalls with kids’ meals
Daily Schedule:
- 4:00 PM – Kids’ activities begin
- 5:30 PM – Children’s cultural show
- 6:30 PM – Family aarti
- 7:30 PM – Dinner and socializing
Must-See: Saturday’s children’s fancy dress competition (Ganesh theme) at 5:00 PM!
Belconnen Lakeshore Family Ganesh Celebration
Venue: Lake Ginninderra Foreshore
Date: Sunday, 31 August 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Family Activities:
- Ganesh sand sculpture competition
- Kite flying with Ganesh designs
- Picnic-style celebration
- Kids’ treasure hunt
- Face painting and balloon art
Important: BYO picnic blankets and sun protection. Food trucks available.
Tuggeranong Community Ganpati
Venue: Tuggeranong Community Centre
Date: Saturday, 30 August 2025
Time: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Family Features:
- Indoor venue (weather-proof!)
- Kids’ Ganesh drawing competition
- Story corner with Ganesh tales
- Family photo booth with props
- Community potluck dinner
Read this also:
1. Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 Australia: Date, Muhurat, Aarti
2. Ganesh Chaturthi Sydney 2025: Complete Guide
3. Best Modak & Sweets for Ganesh Chaturthi in Australia (2025)
Suburb-Based Family Celebrations
Gungahlin
The fastest-growing Indian community:
- Amaroo Community Hall: Weekend family programs
- Franklin Residents: Organize building-level kids’ activities
- Casey Market: Special Ganesh decorations and events
Woden Valley
- Phillip Community Centre: Small family gathering on 31 August
- Garran Residents: Famous for their kids’ Ganesh parade
Inner North
- ANU Hindu Society: Family-friendly campus celebrations
- Dickson Community: Multicultural family event
Kids’ Special Activities During Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Art & Craft Workshops
Little Hands Art Studio, Braddon
- Date: 24 August 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Age: 5-12 years
- Activity: Make your own eco-friendly Ganesh
- Cost: $25 per child
- Booking: Essential via their website
Canberra Hindu Temple
- Daily During Festival: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Free Ganesh coloring and craft
- Materials provided
Children’s Cultural Programs
Dance Schools Participating:
- Nataraja Dance Academy: Special Ganesh performances
- Bharatanatyam School Canberra: Kids’ presentations
- Little Bollywood Stars: Ganesh-themed dances
Most perform at major community events – check schedules!
Educational Activities
National Museum of Australia
- Special exhibit on Indian festivals
- Kids’ workshop on 30 August
- Free entry for children
Libraries ACT
- Ganesh story time sessions
- Check local library for timings
- Free Ganesh books to borrow
Family-Friendly Prasad & Food Options
Where to Get Kids’ Favorite Prasad
Indian Supermarket, Dickson
- Address: 6 Cape Street, Dickson
- Kids Love: Chocolate modaks, mango kulfi
- Also Has: Ready-made prasad boxes
Spice Junction, Belconnen
- Address: Belconnen Fresh Food Markets
- Special: Mini modaks perfect for little hands
- Pre-order: Required for fresh items
Home Caterers for Family Events:
- Priya’s Kitchen (Gungahlin): Kids’ party prasad specialist
- Aunty Suma (Woden): Allergy-friendly options
- Desi Delights (Tuggeranong): Family meal packages
Family Dining Options
During Festival Week:
- Bollywood Masala, Dickson: Kids eat free promotion
- Indian Accent, Kingston: Special family thalis
- Dosa Hut, Belconnen: Kids’ dosa menu
Making Ganesh Chaturthi Special for Kids
Home Celebration Ideas
DIY Ganesh Throne:
- Use cardboard boxes and let kids decorate
- Thermocol and safe paints from Bunnings
- Make it a weekend family project
Kids’ Aarti Participation:
- Teach simple Ganesh bhajans
- Let them ring the bell
- Give them flower petals to offer
- Child-safe LED diyas
Ganesh Stories & Activities:
- YouTube channels with animated Ganesh stories
- Ganesh coloring books from Book Depository
- Make modaks together (no-cook recipes!)
Educational Aspects
Teaching Moments:
- Why we celebrate (obstacle remover)
- Eco-friendly practices
- Cultural significance
- Sharing and community values
Fun Facts for Kids:
- Ganesh loves modaks (count them!)
- His vehicle is a mouse
- Different names of Ganesh
- Why he has an elephant head
Practical Tips for Families
What to Bring to Events
Essential Family Kit:
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- Water bottles and snacks
- Light jackets (Canberra evenings!)
- Pram/stroller for little ones
- Change of clothes for kids
- Small toys for waiting times
Managing Temple Visits with Kids
Best Times:
- Morning aartis are less crowded
- Weekday visits are calmer
- Arrive 15 minutes early for good spots
Temple Etiquette for Kids:
- Explain removing shoes
- Practice sitting quietly
- Bring quiet activities
- Use family rooms if available
Safety Considerations
- Keep kids away from oil lamps
- Supervise around crowds
- Designate meeting points
- Keep emergency contacts handy
- Use child safety wristbands at large events
Eco-Friendly Visarjan for Families
Home Visarjan (Recommended for Families)
Make it Educational:
- Use a large tub or inflatable pool
- Explain the dissolution process
- Let kids help with rituals
- Use the water for garden together
- Compost the clay remnants
Fun Additions:
- Add flower petals for color
- Play Ganesh songs
- Take photos of the process
- Make it a learning experience
Community Symbolic Visarjan
Lake Burley Griffin Prayers
- Date: 5 September 2025, 5:00 PM
- Location: Commonwealth Place
- Note: Prayers only, no immersion
- Family-Friendly: Yes, with kids’ activities
Canberra Weather Considerations
Early spring weather means:
- Days: 15-20°C (perfect for outdoor events)
- Mornings/Evenings: 5-10°C (layer up!)
- Possible frost: Early morning events
- Spring winds: Secure decorations
Your Family Festival Planner
Two Weeks Before
✓ Register for kids’ workshops
✓ Order Ganesh idol (kid-safe materials)
✓ Plan family crafts projects
✓ Book restaurant tables
One Week Before
✓ Buy puja items together
✓ Prepare kids’ festival clothes
✓ Practice bhajans with children
✓ Confirm event timings
During Festival
✓ Maintain regular meal/nap times
✓ Don’t overschedule
✓ Allow flexibility for kids’ moods
✓ Capture memories (photos/videos)
Building Community Connections
Family Networking:
- Join “Canberra Indian Families” Facebook
- Connect with other parents at events
- Arrange playdates around festival
- Share carpool for temple visits
Creating Traditions:
- Annual family photos with Ganesh
- Kids’ handprint art each year
- Festival scrapbook
- Thank you cards to community
Important Family Resources
Emergency: 000
Canberra Hindu Temple: (02) 6259 0435
After Hours Medical: 1300 422 567
Taxi with Child Seats: 13 22 27
Family WhatsApp Groups:
- Canberra Indian Families
- Ganesh Utsav Kids Activities
- Northside Indian Parents
- Southside Family Network
Useful Websites:
- canberrahindutemple.org
- indianculturalcanberra.org
- eventscanberra.com.au
Canberra Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Quick Guide
When is Ganesh Chaturthi in 2025?
The main festival day is Friday, 27th August 2025. Celebrations often last up to 10 days.
Which temples celebrate it?
The main temples are the Vishnu Shiva Mandir in Mawson and the Hindu Mandir and Cultural Centre (HMCC) in Gungahlin. Check their websites for specific schedules.
Are events family-friendly?
Yes! Expect kids’ clay idol making workshops, cultural performances, and food stalls with traditional sweets like modak.
Where is the Visarjan (immersion)?
The community Visarjan is typically held at a designated spot on a local lake, such as Lake Burley Griffin or Yerrabi Pond.
Can I bring my own idol for Visarjan?
Yes, but please ensure it is an eco-friendly idol made from natural, unbaked clay to protect the environment.
Is there an entry fee?
Entry to temples for prayers (darshan) is free. Some special cultural events or workshops may have a small fee or require registration.
Where can I get the latest updates?
Follow the Facebook pages and websites of HMCC Gungahlin, Vishnu Shiva Mandir Mawson, and FINACT for the most current information.
Making Memories in the Bush Capital
Canberra’s Ganesh Chaturthi is special because it’s intimate, family-focused, and brings our multicultural community together. Whether you’re at the temple in Florey with a toddler in tow, or at Lake Ginninderra with kids flying kites, the joy is the same.
This year, let’s create beautiful memories for our children, teach them about our culture, and show them how festivals bring communities together. After all, in Canberra, we’re not just celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi – we’re building the next generation’s connection to their heritage.
See you at the celebrations with your little ones!
Ganpati Bappa Morya! Mangal Murti Morya!
Planning to attend with family? Share this guide with other Canberra parents! Visit lokgeets.com for more family-friendly festival content. Have a family tip to add? Comment below!