Ganesh Jayanti marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. Celebrated mainly in Maharashtra and the Konkan region, it is celebrated on Magha Shukla Chaturthi (the
4th day of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Magha). It is commonly known as Varad Chaturthi, highlighting Lord Ganesha as the giver of boons (varada).
Tilkund Chaturthi is a regional name, used especially in Maharashtra, where sesame (til) sweets are traditionally offered on this day.
Unlike Ganesh Chaturthi, which focuses on idol installation and immersion, Ganesh Jayanti celebrates Lord Ganesha’s divine birth with devotion, prayers, and fasting.
This year, Ganesh Jayanti 2026 falls on Thursday, January 22.
Ganesh Jayanti 2026: Date And Important Timings
- Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026
- Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat: 11:29 AM – 01:37 PM (Duration: 2 Hours 08 Minutes)
- Time to Avoid Moon Sighting: 09:22 AM – 09:19 PM (Duration: 11 Hours 57 Minutes)
- Chaturthi Tithi Begins: 02:47 AM on Jan 22, 2026
- Chaturthi Tithi Ends: 02:28 AM on Jan 23, 2026
Ganesh Jayanti Significance
Ganesh Jayanti celebrates Lord Ganesha’s birth, who was created by Goddess Parvati and brought to life by her divine energy. The festival symbolises:
- The creation of divine wisdom
- The removal of ego and ignorance
- The start of auspicious beginnings
It is a day for devotees to connect spiritually and perform rituals honoring Ganesha’s teachings of wisdom, humility, and devotion.
Ganesh Jayanti: History and Mythology of Lord Ganesha
- Lord Ganesha, also called Ganapati or Vinayaka, is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. According to Hindu scriptures:
- Ganesha was created by Parvati from turmeric paste and brought to life to guard her privacy.
- Lord Shiva, unaware of this creation, initially opposed Ganesha and accidentally beheaded him.
- Upon Parvati’s insistence, Shiva revived Ganesha with an elephant head, giving him his iconic appearance.
- Lord Ganesha is worshipped as the remover of obstacles, the god of beginnings, and the patron of arts and sciences.
- Ganesh Jayanti commemorates this divine birth and his role as a source of wisdom and prosperity.
Ganesh Jayanti Wishes
- May Lord Ganesha bless you with wisdom, prosperity, and success. Wishing you and your family a joyful Ganesh Jayanti.
- On this auspicious occasion of Ganesh Jayanti, may Bappa remove all obstacles from your life and fill it with happiness and peace.
- May the divine blessings of Lord Ganesha bring new beginnings, good health, and endless joy. Happy Ganesh Jayanti!
- Let us welcome Lord Ganesha with devotion and love, and pray for strength, knowledge, and positivity in our lives. Warm wishes on Ganesh Jayanti.
- May Vighnaharta guide you on the right path and shower you with success in every endeavor. Happy Ganesh Jayanti to you and your loved ones!
Ganesh Jayanti 2026: Puja Rituals
Purification: Clean your home and puja area thoroughly.
Murti Sthapana: Place a clay idol or image of Lord Ganesha and decorate with flowers and rangoli.
Preparation: Prepare traditional offerings like modak, laddoo, or til-gud.
Sankalpa: Take a sankalpa (vow) to perform the puja with devotion and faith.
Abhishekam: Offer a ritual bath to the idol using water, milk, honey, and curd.
Offerings: Present durva grass, red flowers, coconut, incense, and light a diya.
Mantras: Chant “Om Gam Ganapataye Namah” or recite the Ganesh Atharvashirsha.
Aarti: Conclude with aarti using devotional songs like Sukhkarta Dukhaharta and Jai Ganesh Deva.
Fasting Rules for Ganesh Jayanti
Devotees observe fasting as a mark of devotion. Common practices include:
- Nirjala Vrat: Strict fast without food or water (optional)
- Phalahar: Consuming only fruits, milk, or simple satvik food
- Allowed foods: Fruits, milk, curd, ghee, nuts, sabudana dishes, rock salt preparations
- Foods to avoid: Grains, onions, garlic, spicy/oily foods, non-vegetarian items, alcohol
The fast is traditionally broken after completing the puja, often with modak, bananas, or a simple satvik meal.
IN PICS: Ganesha Jayanti 2026: Sweet Treats And Savoury Favourites Of Lord Ganesh
Regional Variations in Celebrations
While Maharashtra is the heart of Ganesh Jayanti celebrations, the festival is observed differently across regions:
Maharashtra & Konkan: Elaborate puja and community gatherings with bhajans and cultural programs
Other regions: Focus on private worship at home and smaller temple rituals
Modern Observances
Today, many families combine traditional rituals with educational storytelling for children about Lord Ganesha’s wisdom and values. Social media and community groups often share puja tips, recipes, and bhajan performances, keeping the festival accessible for everyone.
Ganesh Jayanti Quotes & Prayers
Some popular quotes and prayers recited during Ganesh Jayanti:
- “Om Gam Ganapataye Namah” – The primary mantra for wisdom and removing obstacles
- “Sukhkarta Dukhaharta” – Aarti praising Lord Ganesha
- Inspirational saying: “He who works with devotion and humility finds the blessings of Ganesha in every step.”
Health And Fasting Tips
- Stay hydrated if following Nirjala Vrat; consider short fasting durations for elders or children.
- Consume satvik foods rich in energy to maintain vitality during the day.
- Avoid spicy or heavy meals before or after fasting to support digestion.
