Ganesh Jayanti 2026: Celebrate Lord Ganesha’s birth with puja, muhurat timings, fasting rules, and rituals to invite wisdom and prosperity.
Ganesh Jayanti, also known as Maghi Ganesh Jayanti, is a significant Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and prosperity. This year, Ganesh Jayanti will be celebrated on 31st January 2026, and it is a time for devotees to come together and honor the beloved deity with puja, fasting, and rituals. This auspicious occasion is observed with great fervor and enthusiasm across India and other parts of the world. Let us delve deeper into the significance of Ganesh Jayanti and how we can celebrate it to invite wisdom and prosperity into our lives.
The Legend of Ganesh Jayanti:
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha was born on the fourth day of the bright fortnight in the Hindu month of Magh. It is believed that Goddess Parvati created Ganesha out of sandalwood paste to guard her while she took a bath. When Lord Shiva returned, Ganesha, who was not aware of his father, stopped him from entering. This angered Lord Shiva, and he cut off Ganesha’s head in a fit of rage. Upon realizing his mistake, Lord Shiva replaced Ganesha’s head with that of an elephant and brought him back to life. This incident symbolizes the cycle of life and death and the importance of overcoming obstacles with wisdom and perseverance. Hence, Ganesh Jayanti is celebrated to honor Lord Ganesha’s birth and seek his blessings for a prosperous and obstacle-free life.
Puja and Muhurat Timings:
On the day of Ganesh Jayanti, devotees wake up early in the morning and take a holy bath. They then decorate their homes and puja altars with flowers, rangolis, and lights. The puja rituals begin with the installation of a clay idol or picture of Lord Ganesha. The idol is adorned with new clothes, jewelry, and flowers, and devotees offer fruits, sweets, and other delicacies as prasad. The puja is performed with the recitation of mantras and hymns, and the atmosphere is filled with devotion and joy. The muhurat timings for Ganesh Jayanti puja are from 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM, and it is considered auspicious to perform the puja during this time.
Fasting Rules:
Fasting is an essential aspect of Ganesh Jayanti, and many devotees observe a strict fast on this day. Some people fast for the entire day, while others only consume fruits and milk. The fast is broken after the evening puja, and a special meal is prepared to offer to Lord Ganesha. It is believed that fasting on Ganesh Jayanti helps in purifying the mind and body and brings good health, wealth, and prosperity.
Rituals to Invite Wisdom and Prosperity:
Apart from puja and fasting, there are other rituals that are performed on Ganesh Jayanti to invite wisdom and prosperity into our lives. One such ritual is the recitation of the Ganesh Chalisa, a devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It is believed that reciting the Chalisa with devotion and faith can remove all obstacles and bring success and prosperity. Another ritual is the lighting of diyas or lamps in the evening, which symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and the dispelling of ignorance. It is also a common practice to exchange gifts and sweets with friends and family on this day, spreading joy and happiness.
In conclusion, Ganesh Jayanti is a joyous occasion that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha and his teachings of wisdom and prosperity. It is a time for devotees to come together and seek the blessings of the deity for a successful and obstacle-free life. Let us all celebrate this auspicious day with devotion, puja, fasting, and rituals, and invite the grace of Lord Ganesha into our lives. May this Ganesh Jayanti bring happiness, peace, and prosperity to all. Jai Ganesh!