Maghi Ganesh Chaturthi: The day of welcoming divine blessings

When is Maghi Ganesh Chaturthi in 2026, Day, Date and Timing

In 2026 Maghi Ganesha Chaturthi, will be celebrated on January 22 on Thursday, the festival will begin at 2:47 AM, on Jan 22 and will end at 2:28 AM, on Jan 23.

What is the story behind Maghi Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh, the divine embodiment of wisdom, intelligence and auspicious beginnings, is not only the remover of obstacles but also the gentle guardian who blesses every new step we take. His birth itself is a sacred tale filled with love, destiny, and cosmic purpose. We find many purans that revolve around the birth of Ganesh, the most widely known version about his birth is from Skanda Purana and Shiva Purana, long ago in Kailasha, Goddess Parvati prepared for her daily bath. From the fragrant sandal paste she created a young boy, with her divine breath, she infused life into him, and his eyes sparkled with innocence and devotion. Parvati smiled and said “You are my son, and today you will guard this door. No one must enter until I finish my bath.

“The little guardian stood at the door, proud with his duty. Moments later, Shiva came from his meditation the atmosphere was fierce, yet the boy stood at the door unafraid. “Stop! My mother is bathing,” Ganesha declared firmly. The ganas of the Shiva were shocked, “Child, this is Mahadeva!” they warned him, but Ganesh replied with unwavering devotion, “I only know my mother’s command, and I shall obey it.”

A conflict took place, between Shiva ganas and Ganesh and Ganesh defeated them. Finally, Shiva intervened the clash and his Trident struck the boy’s face, and the boy fell.

Hearing this chaos Parvati rushed outside and saw her lifeless son, her grief shook the entire cosmos “If my son does not rise, I will destroy creation!” she cried. Shiva promised her that he will get life back into the child.

He ordered his followers to bring the head of the first being found facing north. They found a noble elephant, symbol of wisdom and strength. Its head was placed upon the boy’s body, and Shiva infused it with life.

The child rose again—now with the gentle, majestic face of an elephant. Parvati hugged her son with tears of joy,

Shiva declared “From today you are Ganesha, the Lord of Beginnings, the Remover of Obstacles, and the first to receive every prayer. No auspicious work would be carried without your blessings.” and thus, the divine rebirth of Ganesha—celebrated on Magha Shukla Chaturthi—came to be known as Ganesha Jayanti.

What is the significance of Maghi Ganesh Jayanti?

Maghi Ganesh Jayanti is considered the most auspicious day for removing obstacles, as worshipping Ganesh on this sacred Chaturthi is believed to clear long-standing problems, bring clarity of mind, and dissolve karmic barriers. On this day, devotees honour Ganesh as the embodiment of Buddhi, Siddhi, and Riddhi—intellect, spiritual accomplishment, and prosperity—seeking sharper decision-making, inner strength, and peace. In Maharashtra and the Konkan region, this day is revered as Ganesh’s true birthday, marked with jaggery-til offerings, turmeric, and special vratas symbolizing purity and warmth during winter. The festival also represents transformation and divine protection, as Ganesh’s elephant head embodies wisdom, patience, memory, and strength. Celebrated in the spiritually powerful month of Magha, Maghi Ganesh Jayanti inspires renewal of mind and soul, reminding devotees that even life’s challenges can lead to higher purpose and divine grace, just as Ganesh’s own rebirth restored harmony to the universe.

What to do on Maghi Ganesh Chaturthi?

On Maghi Ganesh Jayanti, devotees begin the day with a purifying bath and observe a simple, sattvic lifestyle, often keeping a fast to honour Ganesh with a clear and devoted mind. Homes and temples are cleaned and decorated, and an idol or picture of Ganesh is offered turmeric, sandal paste, durva grass, fresh flowers, and sweets made of jaggery and sesame, which are considered especially auspicious in the winter month of Magha. Many chant “Om Gan Ganapataye Namah” or recite Ganesh Atharvashirsha, seeking wisdom, protection, and the removal of obstacles. Some devotees perform a special abhishek with water, milk, or panchamrit, followed by heartfelt aarti and prayers for new beginnings. Charity, feeding birds or cows, and helping those in need are also encouraged, as the day symbolises purity, humility, and the spreading of goodwill. Overall, the day is spent in devotion, reflection, and inviting Ganesh’s blessings for success, clarity, and peace in the year ahead.

What poojas van be done on that day?

• Ganpathi Sthapana

Ganpathi Sthapana is performed to invite the divine presence of Ganpathi into the home. Through sankalpa and proper installation, the space becomes spiritually charged and ready for auspicious beginnings.

• Ganpathi Homam

Ganpathi Homam purifies the environment through sacred fire and mantra offerings. It burns away obstacles, enhances positive energy, and brings protection, clarity, and prosperity.

• Shodashopachara Pooja

Shodashopachara Pooja is the complete 16-step Vedic ritual that honours Ganpathi with full traditional offerings. It seeks blessings for wisdom, success, harmony, and overall well-being in life.

• Panchopachar Pooja

Panchopachar Pooja uses five essential offerings—gandha, pushpa, dhupa, deepa, and naivedya—to express pure devotion. Even in its simplicity, it invokes Ganpathi’s grace and fulfils the purpose of heartfelt worship.

• Visarjana

Visarjana is the concluding ritual that symbolically bids farewell to Ganpathi while expressing deep gratitude. It signifies releasing the deity’s physical form but retaining divine blessings and protection within the home and heart.

For these sacred rituals, having a knowledgeable and experienced pandit is essential, as he performs every step with the correct mantras, Vedic procedures, and spiritual discipline, ensuring that the puja is not only ritually complete but also spiritually effective. A pandit guides the Sankalpa, conducts the homam, performs the Shodashopachara or Panchopachar Puja with precision, and concludes the Visarjana with proper vidhi, allowing devotees to receive the full blessings of Ganpathi. To make this entire process effortless and authentic, BookMyPooja provides skilled, trained, and reliable pandits who perform all rituals—from Sthapana to Homam and Visarjana—with complete devotion and scriptural accuracy. With BookMyPooja, you can easily book these poojas at home, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free, and spiritually uplifting experience rooted in tradition and purity. The link for the website is https://bookmypoojaonline.com/ or contact us at 9869929292.

Maghi Ganesh Jayanti concludes with a deep sense of devotion, gratitude, and spiritual renewal. This sacred day reminds devotees of the transformative power of faith, as the rebirth of Ganesh symbolizes wisdom emerging from challenges and new beginnings blossoming from difficult moments. Through prayers, puja, and reflection, the mind becomes calmer, intentions grow purer, and the heart feels lighter. As the rituals end, devotees carry forward the blessings of Ganesh—clarity, strength, protection, and auspiciousness—into their lives, embracing the promise of a year filled with positivity, progress, and divine grace.