Date, timing and tithi of the festival
Ganesha Jayanti, also known as Magh Shukla Ganesh Jayanti, is an important Hindu festival celebrated annually across many states in India. This year, the auspicious day falls on Wednesday, 25th January 2023, and will be marked with joy and festivities. Ganesha Jayanti is celebrated in honour of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and knowledge.
Timing
The pooja muhurat will begin at 11:10 AM and end at 12:34 PM.
Tithi
The Chaturthi tithi, or fourth day of the lunar fortnight, began on the 24th of January at 3:22 PM and will end at 12:34 PM on the 25th of January. This is an important day in the Vedic astrology calendar and can influence an individual’s future. During this time, people need to pay attention to the movement of the Moon and its effects on their horoscope.
Overview
Magh Shukla Ganesh Jayanti is a special day celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha, the lord of wisdom. Other names, including Magh Shukla Chaturthi, Tilkund Chaturthi, Maghi Ganesh Jayanti and Varad Chaturthi, also know it. This day is observed according to the Hindu calendar, falling on the Chaturthi Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Magha. This corresponds to a period between January and February on the Gregorian calendar.
Significance
Ganesh Jayanti is a Hindu festival celebrated differently from the more widely known Ganesh Chaturthi, celebrated across India in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August/September). As per some traditions, Ganesh Chaturthi is also thought of as the birthday of Lord Ganesh.
On the day of Ganesh Jayanti, an ancient Vedic custom dictates that it is forbidden to look at the moon, as it is believed to bring bad luck and suffering. If by chance, someone does look at the moon, they must observe a fast for the rest of the day and offer prayers to Lord Ganesh.
History Behind The Festival
The story goes that on this day, Chandra Dev, the Moon God, made fun of Lord Ganesh’s unusual appearance with the head of an elephant. Chandra Dev also bragged about his good looks, which infuriated Lord Ganesh and made him curse Chandra Dev. Lord Ganesh stated that from that moment on, no one could see the beauty Chandra Dev had arrogantly boasted about. This is why the moon is not visible in the night sky on the night of the full moon. According to Vedic astrology, this story reminds us of the importance of humility and the consequences of pride.
The Moon God, ashamed of his behaviour and fearing the curse, asked for mercy from Lord Ganesh. Lord Ganesh could not take back the curse but could alter it. He told Chandra Dev that from then on, he had to wax for 15 days and wane for the other 15 so that the moon could only be seen in its full beauty for a short period.
Beliefs
In Indian astrology, it is believed that Lord Ganesha has incarnated numerous times throughout the ages in different forms. He is known by many names, such as Maghi Ganapati, and is worshipped as the destroyer of obstacles. According to traditional scriptures, he was created out of sandalwood paste by Goddess Parvati in the month of Maghi. He is one of the most widely revered gods in Hinduism and is revered for his power to eliminate obstacles.
RITUALS CONDUCTED
On this special occasion, many devotees take a ritual bath using sesame seeds mixed in water. Ganesha temples are beautifully decorated with flowers, and offerings such as ladoos made of til and jaggery are presented to the Lord. In some households and temples, small images of Ganesha are carefully placed in cradles and worshipped with devotion.
Traditional Foods Consumed
Sheera
Sheera is a traditional sweet dish offered to Lord Ganesha in Maharashtra, India. It is made from semolina, sugar, ghee, cashew nuts, raisins and other dry fruits, usually in two varieties- pineapple and banana. It is believed that by offering sheera to Lord Ganesha, one can receive his blessings to be free of worries and sorrows. Additionally, many people believe that by eating sheera in the morning, they can obtain victory.
Aluwadi
Aluwadi, a traditional dish from Maharashtra, is a type of steamed taro leaf roll made with chana dal, ginger, garlic, tamarind and sesame seeds. Also referred to as patra, this dish has a distinctive flavour and is known to aid in better digestion. Aluwadi is usually served as a side dish with meals.
Modak
Lord Ganesha is often called ‘modapriya’ due to his affinity for modaks. These Indian dumplings, filled with jaggery and sweet coconut, can take on various forms, such as steamed modak, dry fruits modak, rice modak, and even chocolate modak. The preparation of this dish is a traditional practice during the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi and is found in households across Maharashtra.
Rishi Bhaji
Rishi Bhaji is a traditional Indian dish prepared on the day of Rishi Panchami, following the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. This highly nutritious dish is made with a mix of vegetables, including sweet potato, pumpkin, raw banana and corn, and is typically eaten with chapattis. This dish is flavoured with a blend of spices known as Panch Phoran, which consists of cumin, fenugreek, fennel, mustard and onion seeds. Additionally, turmeric, ginger powder and coriander powder are also used to enhance the dish’s flavors.
Thalipeeth
Thalipeeth is a traditional dish of Maharashtra, India, that is particularly enjoyed during the celebration of the Hindu festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. This delectable multi-grain pancake consists of chana daal, urad dal, wheat and rice and is best enjoyed with ghee, butter, pickle or curd. Thalipeeth is a must-try for anyone visiting Maharashtra and will surely be a memorable experience!
FAQS
- How many days is Maghi Ganpati celebrated?
10 to 15 days
It usually begins on the fourth day of the Hindu month of Magh, which falls in January-February according to the Gregorian calendar. The festivities involve special pujas and ceremonies dedicated to Lord Ganesha and offering special dishes to the deity. During these days, devotees also recite special mantras and perform aartis to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha.
- What is the difference between Maghi Ganpati and Ganesh Chaturthi?
Maghi Ganpati is celebrated in the Hindu month of Magha (January–February). On the other hand, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in the Hindu month of Bhadra (August–September). The main difference between the two is that while Maghi Ganpati is celebrated with a small Puja (prayer) and a few offerings, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with grand processions and festivities.
- How is Maghi Ganpati celebrated?
During the Maghi Ganpati festivities, devotees perform a grand puja, usually accompanied by chanting of mantras, singing of bhajans, and offering flowers and other auspicious items gifts to Lord Ganesha. The celebration of Maghi Ganpati is marked by the offering of Prasad, a traditional Indian sweet made of rice, jaggery, and ghee. Devotees also perform the ritual of balancing 20 coins on their head as a symbol of prosperity.
- On Maghi Ganesh Jayanti, is the moon visible?
The calendar indicates that Ganesh Vinayaka Chaturthi will begin on January 24, 2023, at 3:22 p.m. and end on January 25, 2023, at 12:34 p.m., marking the beginning of Shukla Paksha in the Magh month. On Vinayak Chaturthi, it is purportedly forbidden to view the moon.
- On what day is Lord Ganesha honoured?
Wednesday is Lord Ganesha’s day in Hinduism. Of all the deities, Shri Ganesh Ji is the most revered. Consequently, Lord Ganesha is worshipped first in every auspicious work to obtain his blessings for success and prosperity.
- What is Ganesha’s favorite food?
Modak is Ganesha’s favourite dish. These treats, shaped like dumplings, are produced from rice or wheat flour and filled with a coconut and jaggery concoction before being steam-cooked.
- Which flower is the favourite of Lord Ganesha?
Blue Gokarna is considered a sacred flower and is believed to bring luck and success. It is also believed to symbolize Lord Ganesha’s power and wisdom.
- Which Leaf is offered to Ganesha?
It is believed that the tulsi leaves are offered to Ganesha with the greatest devotion, as they represent the Lord’s absolute purity and spiritual strength.
