Ganesha Jayanti 2026

Ganesha Jayanti: Birth of Lord Ganapati in Magha

Ganesha Jayanti is observed on Magha Shukla Chavithi, the fourth day of the bright fortnight of Magha month, as the birthday of Lord Ganesha. It is also called Maghi Ganesh Chaturthi or Tila Chaturthi, and it is celebrated most widely in Maharashtra and parts of Konkan, while Telugu devotees observe it with Ganapati puja and offerings of sesame.

How It Differs from Vinayaka Chavithi

Telugu households celebrate Lord Ganesha's festival mainly on Bhadrapada Shukla Chavithi as Vinayaka Chavithi. Some traditions, however, regard Magha Shukla Chavithi as the actual day of Ganesha's appearance (jayanti), while Bhadrapada Chavithi is the great festival of his worship. Both days are dedicated to the remover of obstacles, and devotees who observe both find no contradiction: one remembers his birth, the other celebrates him with clay idols and Patri puja.

Puja Vidhanam

• Preparation: Take an early bath, preferably with a little sesame paste or sesame water, and clean the puja space.
• Sankalpam: Place an idol or picture of Lord Ganesha, light a lamp and take a sankalpam for the puja.
• Worship: Offer durva grass, red flowers, akshatalu and sandal paste, and chant the Ganesha Ashtottaram or Sankatanashana Ganesha Stotram.
• Naivedyam: Offer sesame laddus (nuvvula undalu), undrallu or modakams, along with fruits.
• Aarti: Finish with harathi and distribute the prasadam.

Fasting and Rules

Many devotees fast for the day, taking fruits and milk, and complete the puja in the madhyahna (midday) period, which is considered Ganesha's birth time. As on Vinayaka Chavithi, some people avoid looking at the moon on this Chavithi night. Sesame is used in the bath, the naivedyam and in charity, which is why the day is also called Tila Chaturthi.

Significance

Lord Ganesha is worshipped first in every undertaking. Praying to him on his jayanti is believed to clear obstacles in studies, work and family life and to bring wisdom (buddhi) and success (siddhi). Magha is itself a holy month for snanam and danam, which adds to the merit of the day.

May Lord Vighneshwara remove every obstacle from your path this Ganesha Jayanti.