Ganesh Jayanti 2026: Date and Confusion Explained

When Is Ganesh Jayanti 2026 And Why Is There Confusion About The Date

Ganesh Jayanti, also known as Maghi Ganesh Chaturthi, is celebrated in the Shukla Paksha of the Magha month. This Tithi is honoured as the appearance day of Lord Ganesh and is therefore regarded as highly auspicious for worship and vows. Although two Chaturthi Tithis occur every month, this particular Magha Shukla Chaturthi is observed in a special way as a birthday festival.

In 2026 some confusion arises because the Chaturthi Tithi spans across two dates, so one needs to understand the exact start and end of the Tithi according to the Vedic Panchang.

Detail	Time and Date
Start of Chaturthi Tithi	22 January 2026, 02:47 am
End of Chaturthi Tithi	23 January 2026, 02:28 am
Festival date as per Udaya Tithi	22 January 2026, Thursday
Main puja auspicious time	11:28 am to 01:42 pm

Following the rule of Udaya Tithi, the day on which Chaturthi prevails at sunrise is taken as the festival day. For this reason, Ganesh Jayanti in 2026 will be celebrated on Thursday, 22 January and this is the day on which fasting, worship and festive observances should be performed.

What Is Ganesh Jayanti And Why Is It Called Maghi Ganesh Chaturthi

In the Hindu tradition, Lord Ganesh is revered as the remover of obstacles, giver of wisdom and the deity who is worshipped first before other gods. Before beginning any important work, ritual, house entry, study or new venture, devotees invoke Ganesh so that the path may become smoother.

The Magha Shukla Chaturthi is known by several names.

• Ganesh Jayanti
• Maghi Ganesh Chaturthi
• Tilkund Chaturthi
• Varad Chaturthi

According to sacred legends, this is the day when Lord Ganesh manifested. The word “Varad” means one who grants boons, so this Chaturthi is especially associated with the fulfilment of sincere wishes and requests made with faith.

Auspicious Muhurat For Ganesh Jayanti 2026

For Ganesh Jayanti, the midday period is traditionally considered favourable, as it aligns with the recommended time for Ganesh worship.

• Main puja time for 2026: 11:28 am to 01:42 pm
• Within this window, it is ideal to perform the installation of the murti, sankalpa, main puja, mantra japa and aarti

If someone cannot manage the entire time span, they may still choose a portion close to this interval. The essence lies in purity of mind, steadiness and heartfelt devotion.

Simple Puja Rituals For Ganesh Jayanti 2026

The rituals for Ganesh Jayanti are straightforward and can be done at home with devotion. The basic sequence can be followed in a gentle and practical way.

• Wake up early, bathe and wear clean clothes in red or yellow shades
• Stand before the image or deity of Lord Ganesh and take a vow for the fast and worship, resolving to maintain purity and restraint throughout the day
• Spread a red cloth on a clean altar or wooden seat and place the murti or picture of Lord Ganesh on it
• Purify the deity with Ganga water and then perform abhishek with panchamrit, followed by a final rinse with clean water
• Apply a tilak of sindoor, which is considered very dear to Ganesh
• Offer twenty one knots of durva grass along with red flowers
• Present modak or motichoor laddus as bhog and if possible include preparations made with sesame and jaggery
• Towards the end recite Ganesh Chalisa, the Chaturthi Katha or any chosen hymn of Ganesh and perform aarti with a ghee lamp

After the puja, distribute the prasad among family members, ensuring that the one observing the fast first offers and then partakes of the sanctified food.

How To Observe The Fast On Ganesh Jayanti

Fasting on Ganesh Jayanti has been kept simple to allow many people to participate.

• After taking the morning sankalpa, one may choose to avoid grains and eat only fruits, milk, water or light sattvik food during the day
• Some seekers keep a stricter fast with minimal intake, depending on health and capacity
• Throughout the fast, one should actively avoid negative thinking, anger, harsh speech and any form of dishonesty

The true purpose of the fast is not limited to controlling food. It is meant to refine behaviour and thought so that the devotee moves closer to inner discipline.

Spiritual Importance And Benefits Of Ganesh Jayanti

As the birthday festival of Lord Ganesh, this day is linked with several spiritual benefits.

• Devotees believe that sincere fasting and proper worship on this day can support the fulfilment of heartfelt wishes
• On this Magha Chaturthi, special importance is given to relief from obstacles and support for completion of pending tasks
• It is viewed as a favourable time for growth in learning, speech, understanding and clarity of thought
• Those who are beginning new studies, career paths or ventures may use this day to seek blessings for stability and success

Even those who do not fast every month may still observe only this Maghi Ganesh Chaturthi and pray for specific guidance from Lord Ganesh.

Why Is It Called Tilkund Chaturthi And What Is The Role Of Sesame

This Tithi is also known as Tilkund Chaturthi. Tradition emphasises the special role of sesame on this day.

• Devotees prepare offerings with sesame and jaggery, such as laddus and present them to Lord Ganesh
• Sesame, jaggery and grains are often donated to priests or people in need
• Sesame is associated in many teachings with subtle purification and relief from certain karmic burdens

Through these practices, the name Tilkund Chaturthi highlights the importance of sesame based offerings and charity as part of Ganesh worship.

Relationship Between Ganesh Jayanti And Mercury Dosha

From the astrological perspective, Lord Ganesh is closely connected with Budha or Mercury, the planet that rules over intellect, analysis, speech, education and trade.

• On Magha Shukla Chaturthi, worship of Ganesh is believed to help ease afflictions linked with a weak or disturbed Mercury in the chart
• Students, speakers, writers and businesspersons may experience this day as especially supportive for their mental focus and communication
• Japa of the mantra “Om Gam Ganapataye Namah” even in a modest count can assist with concentration and clearer thinking

Such observances express the intention to refine intellect and use it with responsibility.

Why Is Moon Sighting Avoided On Ganesh Jayanti

There is a well known tradition of avoiding the sight of the Moon on Ganesh Chaturthi. A legendary account describes how Lord Ganesh once fell from his vehicle and the Moon laughed at this, leading to a curse that whoever saw the Moon on that day might face false accusations.

Therefore

• Devotees are advised not to look at the Moon on Ganesh Jayanti or Ganesh Chaturthi
• If the Moon is seen accidentally, people recite certain stories or prayers of Ganesh and seek forgiveness

Beyond the story, the deeper guidance is to let go of ridicule, pride and mockery on this sacred day.

Ways To Make Ganesh Jayanti 2026 More Meaningful

Ganesh Jayanti 2026 can be used as a turning point rather than only a ritual date.

• Choose one habit, such as anger, procrastination or late rising and take a sincere resolve to reduce it from this day onwards
• Students can design a fresh study schedule or revise neglected subjects with new focus
• Professionals can use a quiet moment after puja to plan upcoming work and responsibilities constructively
• Donating food, books, pens or study materials to someone who needs support becomes a powerful way to seek blessings from Ganesh as the lord of wisdom

In this way Ganesh Jayanti becomes a day of inner reorganisation and clear intention.

Frequently Asked Questions

On which day will Ganesh Jayanti be celebrated in 2026
According to the Vedic Panchang, Chaturthi Tithi begins at 02:47 am on 22 January 2026 and ends at 02:28 am on 23 January 2026. Since Chaturthi prevails at sunrise on 22 January, Ganesh Jayanti will be observed on Thursday, 22 January 2026.

What is the auspicious puja time for Ganesh Jayanti 2026
The principal auspicious period for worship on Ganesh Jayanti 2026 falls between 11:28 am and 01:42 pm. During this interval it is recommended to perform murti installation, sankalpa, the main puja, mantra chanting and aarti.

Why is this Chaturthi called Tilkund Chaturthi
It is called Tilkund Chaturthi because offerings and donations related to sesame hold a special place on this day. Preparing prasad with sesame and jaggery and donating sesame and grains are believed to bring subtle purification and relief from certain difficulties.

Why should the Moon not be seen on Ganesh Jayanti
Traditional belief states that seeing the Moon on Ganesh Chaturthi can invite the risk of false accusations due to an old legend linked with Lord Ganesh and Chandra. Because of this, devotees avoid looking at the Moon and if they see it unintentionally, they recite prayers and stories of Ganesh for protection.

Which mantra is beneficial to chant on Ganesh Jayanti
The mantra “Om Gam Ganapataye Namah” is widely recommended on Ganesh Jayanti. Students, professionals and those seeking clarity may chant it calmly to invoke guidance, wisdom and removal of inner and outer obstacles.