New Delhi: Ganesh Jayanti is an important Hindu festival that marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the symbol of wisdom, discipline,
and new beginnings. Observed mainly in Maharashtra and parts of western and southern India, Ganesh Jayanti is different from the more widely known Ganesh Chaturthi, even though both festivals are dedicated to the same deity.
In 2026, Ganesh Jayanti falls just a day before Basant Panchami, making it a spiritually significant period for devotees. Here is a complete and easy-to-understand guide covering the date, puja time, significance, rituals, and how Ganesh Jayanti differs from Ganesh Chaturthi.
Ganesh Jayanti 2026: Date and day
Ganesh Jayanti will be observed on Thursday, 22 January 2026.
The festival is celebrated on Chaturthi Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Magha, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. Since Chaturthi Tithi is present during the daytime on 22 January, that day is considered Ganesh Jayanti.
Ganesh Jayanti 2026 tithi and muhurat
- Chaturthi Tithi Begins: 02:47 AM on 22 January 2026
- Chaturthi Tithi Ends: 02:28 AM on 23 January 2026
As per Hindu tradition, a day is counted from sunrise to sunrise. Since Chaturthi Tithi prevails throughout the day on 22 January, Ganesh Jayanti is observed on that date.
Ganesh Jayanti puja is performed during Madhyahna Kala, which is considered the most auspicious time for worship on this day.
Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat (Delhi)
- Time: 11:29 AM to 01:37 PM
- Duration: 2 hours 8 minutes
Time to avoid Moon Sighting
On Ganesh Jayanti, devotees traditionally avoid seeing the moon to prevent false accusations or misunderstandings.
- Moon Sight Avoidance Time: 09:22 AM to 09:19 PM
- Duration: 11 hours 57 minutes
Ganesh Jayanti Puja time in major cities
- Mumbai: 11:43 AM to 01:57 PM
- Pune: 11:39 AM to 01:53 PM
- New Delhi: 11:29 AM to 01:37 PM
- Bengaluru: 11:22 AM to 01:40 PM
- Chennai: 11:12 AM to 01:30 PM
- Hyderabad: 11:20 AM to 01:35 PM
- Kolkata: 10:42 AM to 12:54 PM
- Ahmedabad: 11:46 AM to 01:57 PM
Significance of Ganesh Jayanti
Ganesh Jayanti is believed to mark the birth of Lord Ganesha as the son of Goddess Parvati. The day symbolises fresh beginnings, inner strength, wisdom, and the removal of obstacles.
Devotees worship Lord Ganesha on this day to seek:
- Success in new ventures
- Relief from obstacles and delays
- Mental clarity and stability
- Prosperity and protection
The festival holds special importance for students, business owners, and families starting something new.
Ganesh Jayanti Rituals and Puja Vidhi
Ganesh Jayanti rituals are simple yet meaningful.
- Devotees wake up early and take a bath
- Homes and puja areas are cleaned
- An idol or image of Lord Ganesha is placed on a clean platform
- Red flowers, durva grass, modak, and laddoos are offered
- Ganesh puja is performed during Madhyahna Kala
- Some devotees observe a day-long fast
Listening to or reading the Ganesh Jayanti Vrat Katha is an important part of the worship. One well-known story associated with this day is about Lord Krishna being falsely accused of stealing the Syamantaka Mani after sighting the moon.
How Ganesh Jayanti Is Different from Ganesh Chaturthi
Although both festivals honour Lord Ganesha, they are different in timing, rituals, and regional importance.
Ganesh Jayanti
- Celebrated in Magha month (January–February)
- Observed mainly in Maharashtra and western India
- Focuses on the birth of Lord Ganesha
- Puja is performed during Madhyahna Kala
- Moon sighting is strictly avoided
Ganesh Chaturthi
- Celebrated in Bhadrapada month (August–September)
- Observed across India with grand public celebrations
- Marks the arrival of Ganesha on earth
- Celebrated for one to ten days
- Includes large idols and immersion rituals
Ganesh Jayanti is quieter and more spiritual in nature, while Ganesh Chaturthi is festive and community-oriented.
Ganesh Jayanti 2026, falling on Thursday, 22 January, is a powerful day for prayer, reflection, and new beginnings. Observing the puja during Madhyahna Kala and following the traditional rituals with sincerity is believed to bring stability, wisdom, and obstacle-free progress.
While Ganesh Chaturthi may be more widely known, Ganesh Jayanti holds deep spiritual value for devotees who seek Lord Ganesha’s blessings at the very moment of his divine birth.
Written by: Tanya Singh, Astropatri.com. For feedback, please write to hello@astropatri.com.
