Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: 4 Iconic Temples Where Lord Ganesha Is Worshipped Worldwide

India, particularly in Maharashtra, where homes, streets and community pandals are getting ready to welcome Lord Ganesha. Idols are being decorated, flowers are being arranged and traditional sweets are being prepared for the 10-day festival.

But the celebration of Ganapati is not limited to India. Over the years, Indian communities around the world have carried their religious traditions with them, leading to the establishment of Ganesha temples in countries across Asia, Europe, Africa and North America. In some destinations, these temples primarily serve Hindu communities, while in others, Ganesha has become part of the wider cultural landscape.

Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on September 14 this year, with the festivities culminating on September 25 with Anant Chaturdashi. From Thailand and the Netherlands to Seychelles and the United States, here are four notable temples that highlight the global presence of Lord Ganesha.

Ganesh Temple at Devasathan, Bangkok

Bangkok is renowned for its Buddhist temples, but the Thai capital also has a long-standing connection with Hindu traditions. Lord Ganesha, known in Thailand as Phra Phikanet, is widely associated with wisdom, creativity, success and the removal of obstacles.

His shrine at Devasathan, a historic Hindu temple complex in Bangkok, reflects the deity’s enduring presence in Thai religious and cultural life. The site provides visitors with an opportunity to see how Hindu traditions have become part of Bangkok’s diverse spiritual heritage.

Sri Varatharajah Selvavinayagar Temple, Den Helder, Netherlands

The presence of a Ganesha temple in the Netherlands is a reminder of how far Hindu traditions have travelled with the Indian diaspora. Located in the northern Dutch town of Den Helder, the Sri Varatharajah Selvavinayagar Temple has served the Hindu community for decades.

The temple was established in 1991 by Sri Lankan Tamil devotees and describes itself as the oldest Ganesha temple in the Netherlands. Supported largely by volunteers and the local community, it is not only a place of worship but also a centre for cultural and educational activities.

Arulmigu Navasakti Vinayagar Temple, Seychelles

Set against the tropical surroundings of Victoria, the capital of Seychelles, the Arulmigu Navasakti Vinayagar Temple stands out for its distinctive South Indian architecture and colourful design.

Dedicated to Lord Vinayagar, another name for Ganesha, the temple is particularly recognisable for its ornate Dravidian-style gopuram. Built in 1992, it is described as the only Hindu temple in Seychelles and serves as an important symbol of the island nation’s Indian cultural heritage.

For visitors, the temple offers a glimpse of the country’s multicultural character, combining Hindu traditions with the distinctive island setting of Seychelles.

Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam, New York

In Queens, New York, the Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam is one of the best-known traditional Hindu temples in the United States. Commonly referred to as the Flushing Ganesh Temple, it has become an important religious and cultural centre for the Hindu community.

The temple is operated by the Hindu Temple Society of North America. Its history dates back to 1970, while the present temple was completed and consecrated in 1977. Built according to traditional principles described in the Agama Shastras, the temple stands as a prominent example of Hindu architecture and worship in the United States.

Together, these temples show how the worship of Lord Ganesha has travelled far beyond India, adapting to new surroundings while continuing to preserve centuries-old traditions.