Lord Ganesha is a obstacles remover, it is customary to worship him at the beginning of every auspicious undertaking. In Marathi calander Ganeshutsav is celebrated two times one in Bhadrapada and Maghi Ganesh. We have a tradition of celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in Bhadrapada on a large scale. The Chaturthi in the month of Magha is equally important as the Chaturthi in the month of Bhadrapada. However, many people often confuse Ganesh Jayanti and Ganesh Chaturthi.
Let's learn the exact difference between Ganesh Jayanti and Ganesh Chaturthi and the stories from the Puranas...
Ganesha is considered to be the creator of the universe. He is said to be Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra, and Indra. He is a god who fights at the forefront in battle, dances wholeheartedly on joyous occasions, enjoys eating sweets, and has a love and passion for education – an ideal deity for all. Ganesha is the god of intellect. Ganesha is a universal deity. Ganesha is an inspiring deity. This deity communicates openly with everyone through the expression of various arts and makes everyone feel connected. Though powerful, he is not short-tempered; though radiant, he is not harsh – Lord Ganesha is the beloved deity of people of all ages! This year, Shri Ganesh Jayanti is on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
Shri Ganesh Jayanti is celebrated in the month of Magha
Vinayak Chaturthi is celebrated on the Shuddha Chaturthi of every Marathi month. However, the Vinayak Chaturthi in the month of Magha is celebrated as Shri Ganesh Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Ganesha. The Magha Shuddha Chaturthi tithi is also known by various names. Magha Shuddha Chaturthi is also called Tilkund Chaturthi and Varad Chaturthi. The day the Ganesh principle first manifested on Earth, that is, the day of Ganesha's birth, was Magha Shuddha Chaturthi. Since then, the connection between Ganesha and Chaturthi has been established. Magha Shuddha Chaturthi is celebrated as 'Shri Ganesh Jayanti'. It is believed that on this day, the principle of Shri Ganesha is 1,000 times more active than usual.
Shri Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in the month of Bhadrapada.
Shri Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on Vinayak Chaturthi, the bright fortnight's fourth day of the Bhadrapada month. The worship of Ganesha began approximately 3,500 years ago. In the month of Bhadrapada, the crops are ready in the fields. Therefore, to express gratitude towards the Earth, the scriptures prescribe the worship of an earthen (made of clay) Ganesh idol on Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi. In ancient times, people would go to the fields or riverbanks, create a Ganesh idol from the soil there, perform the worship, and immediately immerse the idol. Later, the practice of bringing the Ganesh idol home, worshipping it for one and a half, three, five, seven days, or until Anant Chaturdashi, and then immersing it, began.
Why is Shri Ganesh Jayanti celebrated in the month of Magha?
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on Magha Shuddha Chaturthi. It is believed that Ganesha was born on this day. This Vinayaki Chaturthi is more famous because Ganesha incarnated as Vinayaka in the family of Kashyapa to slay the demon Narantaka. This Chaturthi is also called Tilkund Chaturthi. After performing the sixteen-step Ganesh puja, a sweet offering of jaggery and sesame ladoos is made. Because Ganesha and Sadashiva are worshipped with Kund flowers and people keep vigil at night, this Chaturthi is also called 'Tilkund Chaturthi'. It is said that on this day, one should worship the Dhumdhiraj Ganesh form.
The character of Shri Ganpati, Vinayaka, is a great ideal.
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Tilkund Chaturthi, is celebrated on Magha Shuddha Chaturthi to commemorate the birth of Ganesha. This Vinayaki Chaturthi is particularly significant as it marks Ganesha's incarnation as Vinayaka to defeat the demon Narantaka. The sixteen-step Ganesh puja is performed, followed by an offering of jaggery and sesame ladoos. The festival is named Tilkund Chaturthi due to the worship of Ganesha and Sadashiva with Kund flowers and the practice of keeping vigil at night. Worshipping the Dhumdhiraj Ganesh form on this day is considered auspicious.
Shri Ganesh Jayanti, also known as Vinayak Chaturthi, occurs in the month of Magha. Ganesha is believed to have two primary incarnations: Gajanan, the son of Shiva and Parvati, and Vinayaka (Mahotkata Vinayaka), the son of Kashyapa and Aditi. Vinayaka is renowned for his valor, having single-handedly liberated the gods and protected sages, ascetics, and hermits. His birth anniversary is celebrated with enthusiasm to commemorate his benevolence, serving as a powerful ideal.
The Shri Ganesh Kosha details a significant one-month fast in the Ganapatya tradition, observed from Shravana Shukla Chaturthi to Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi. This Parthiva Ganesh Vrat (Clay Ganesha Vow) involves creating and worshipping a small clay Ganesha idol, culminating in its immersion. While observing the entire month-long vow is ideal, worshiping the clay idol on the final day, Ganesh Chaturthi, is considered essential. During this Chaturthi, Ganesha is worshipped with sixteen rituals.
The Maghi Ganesh Utsav, celebrated on Ganesh Jayanti in Magha, has recently gained popularity as a public celebration, expanding from its previous observance primarily within temples.