Ganesha Jayanti

Ganesha Jayanti is observed as the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha. As per the Hindu calendar, it is celebrated on Shukla Chaturthi during Magha lunar month and currently coincides with January and February months in the Gregorian calendar.

Ganesha Jayanti during Magha month is mainly observed in Maharashtra, Goa, and the coastal regions of Konkan. In most parts of India, the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha is observed during Bhadrapada month and is known as Ganesha Chaturthi. Similar to Ganesha Chaturthi, Madhyahna Vyapini Purvaviddha Chaturthi (मध्याह्न व्यापिनी पूर्वविद्धा चतुर्थी) is considered as Ganesha Jayanti.

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Ganesha Jayanti is also known as Magha Shukla Chaturthi, Tilkund Chaturthi, and Varad Chaturthi.

The difference between Ganesha Jayanti and Ganesh Chaturthi is that the Ganesh Jayanti is observed in February, while Ganesh Chaturthi is marked in Badrapada, the Hindu calendar month or August/ September.

History and Significance of Ganesha Jayanti

Ganesha Jayanti differs from the more popularly celebrated festival of Ganesha Chaturthi which is celebrated across India in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August/September). According to some traditions, Ganesha Chaturthi is also considered the birthday of Lord Ganesha.

Ancient customs dictate that on the occasion of Ganesha Jayanti, devotees are prohibited from looking at the moon as it supposedly brings the viewer bad luck and suffering. If any person accidentally views the moon on this day, they must observe a fast for the rest of the day and offer prayers to Lord Ganesha.

Legend has it that on this day, Chandra Dev, the Moon God, mocked Lord Ganesha’s appearance and teased him about his elephant’s head. Chandra Dev also boasted about his own good looks, which greatly angered Lord Ganesha and led him to curse Chandra Dev. Lord Ganesha told him that from that moment on no one would be able to witness the beauty that Chandra Dev so egotistically boasted of.

Shamed by his behaviour and fearful of the curse, the Moon God begged for mercy. Lord Ganesha then said that it would be impossible for him to take the curse back, but he could alter it. Lord Ganesha instructed Chandra Dev that from that point on, he would have to wax for 15 days and wane for the other 15, ensuring that the moon could only be witnessed in its complete glory for a short time.

Celebrations of Ganesha Jayanti

In order to celebrate the auspicious occasion, devotees observe a day-long fast and offer prayers to the God of wisdom. Some even bring new and adorned idols of Lord Ganesha into their home to ensure the prosperity of themselves and their family. Lord Ganesha, who is also known as the remover of obstacles is offered red cloth and sweets. Devotees the Lord to remove obstacles from their lives and allow them to follow Lord Ganesha in the path of the light.

Traditions And Rituals Of Ganesha Jayanti

Lord Ganesha’s birth is observed on Ganpati Jayanti in Magha, the Hindi Calendar month of Shukla Chaturthi. The rituals followed during Ganesha Jayanti include the following:

• Listen or chant Ganesha Atharvasirsha. 
• Chant the Ganesha mantra as per the Ketu’s placement in your astrological chart or recite “Om Gan Ganapataye Namaha.”
• Chant Ganesha’s 16 names
• Observe fast during the day and eat the foods or fruits as per your customs.

16 Mantras For Ganesha Jayanti

Cultural Significance Of Ganesha Jayanti

It is commonly observed in Maharashtra, Goa, and South India. Dnyaneswari Narayan, aharvashirsha pathan, and Ganesha Janmakal were also carried out at several places in India during this feestival.

People in Southeast Asian countries, Japan, Tibet, China, and other places also observe Ganesha Jayanti with complete dedication.

Foods Associated With Ganesha Jayanti

Lord Ganesha is also called Modakpriya, as modak and laddus are Lord Ganesha’s favourite sweets. It is also believed that Lord Ganesha loves sweet flatbreads, so devotees offer Puran Poli to the Lord to show their respect, love, and devotion.

Neivedyam recipe

Undrallu

• Rice flour is streamed and prepared with rice flour, milk, sugar, sesame seeds, and grated coconut. Boil two cups of water and immediately add rice flour. Reduce heat and cover it. Cook for about four to five minutes without stirring. Make balls from this mixture and place it aside.
• Boil sugar and water in another vessel and add grated coconut while reducing the heat. Stir for a couple of seconds and add rice flour balls in it. 
• Cook the balls in this syrup for a few minutes after adding the milk. Add a powder of sesame seeds and check the thickness of the syrup and its consistency. Sprinkle powdered ground elaichi on it and offer it to Lord Ganesha.

Conclusion

Ganesha Jayanti or Ganapati Jayanti is an important festival for Hindu devotees and is observed in Magha month (Magha Shukla Chaturthi) . People chant mantras, keep fast, and offer sweets, laddus, and naivedyam to the Lord to attain peace and prosperity in their lives.

We are wishing everyone a happy and prosperous Ganesha Jayanti!

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