Ganesh Jayanti (Maghi Ganesh Chaturthi) 2027

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Do This Vrat?

• Devotees of Lord Ganesha: Devotees observe this day to honour the birth of Lord Ganesha, seeking the removal of obstacles (Vighna Nivaran) and success in their work.
• Students and Seekers of Wisdom: Students and those beginning new work pray to Ganesha for knowledge, clarity and a steady mind.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Preparation: Bathe early and prepare the puja space in the morning.
• Puja Muhurat: The main puja is done around Madhyahna (midday), the time traditionally associated with Lord Ganesha's birth. Check the puja muhurat for your city on this page.
• Moon Sighting: Many families avoid looking at the Moon on this evening; check the moonrise time for your city on this page.
• Breaking the Fast: Devotees who fast eat only after the puja and the Aarti are complete (families differ in how strictly they fast).

About the Festival

Ganesh Jayanti, also called Maghi Ganesh Chaturthi, is a much-loved observance celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, especially in Maharashtra. It takes place on the Chaturthi (fourth day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Magha.

The Vrat Katha (Story of Lord Ganesha's Birth)

Once upon a time, Goddess Parvati was about to bathe at Mount Kailash. She wished for someone to guard the entrance, so she shaped a boy from the turmeric paste she had prepared for her body and breathed life into him. She named him her son and asked him to let no one enter.

When Lord Shiva returned, the boy did not know him and refused to let him pass. Angered, Shiva cut off the boy's head in the ensuing fight. Parvati was overcome with grief when she saw her son lying lifeless, and she begged that he be brought back.

Lord Shiva sent his attendants to bring the head of the first living being they found facing north. They returned with the head of an elephant, and Shiva placed it on the boy's body and revived him. He blessed him: "You shall be called Ganapati, lord of my ganas. You will be worshipped before all other deities, and no work begun with your name will be blocked by obstacles." Parvati's heart was soothed, and the gods blessed him with wisdom and strength. Since that day, devotees have observed Ganesh Jayanti to remember the birth of Lord Ganesha and seek his blessings.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the midday puja:

• Idol / Image: An idol or picture of Lord Ganesha, placed on a Chowki covered with a clean red cloth
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Roli, Kumkum, Sindoor, and Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
• Lamps & Lights: A brass or clay Diya with Ghee and cotton wick, and Dhoop (incense)
• Floral Offerings: Red flowers, 21 blades of Durva grass, and a garland
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Til-gud (sesame and jaggery) Laddoos, Modak, fruits, and coconut
• Devotional Accessories: A Kalash with water, Kalava (sacred thread), betel leaves with a betel nut (Supari), and a new cloth (Vastra)

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean, auspicious clothes (preferably red or yellow).
2. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Lord Ganesha, today I worship you on your sacred birthday. Remove the obstacles from my path and bless me with wisdom and success."
3. Observe the fast through the morning, or eat only fruit and sattvic food until the puja is complete (families differ).

Step 2: Preparing the Puja Altar (Before Madhyahna)

1. Clean the puja space and decorate it with flowers.
2. Place a Chowki covered with a clean red cloth and spread a few grains of rice on it.
3. Place the idol or picture of Lord Ganesha on the Chowki, with the Kalash filled with water beside it.

Step 3: Performing the Midday Rituals (Madhyahna)

1. Lighting the Lamp: Light a Ghee Diya and incense before Lord Ganesha.
2. Applying Tilak: Apply Roli, Kumkum, Sindoor, and Akshat to the idol.
3. Offering Flowers & Durva: Offer red flowers, 21 blades of Durva and a garland, with the new cloth and Kalava.
4. Offering Naivedya: Place Til-gud Laddoos, Modak and fruits before the deity.

Step 4: Reciting the Vrat Katha

1. Hold a few grains of rice and flower petals in your right hand.
2. Sit respectfully in front of the altar and recite or listen to the Ganesh Jayanti Vrat Katha with deep focus and devotion.
3. After completing the story, offer the grains and petals at the deity's feet.

Step 5: Aarti and Prayers

1. Perform the Ganesh Aarti using the lit Ghee lamp while singing devotional hymns such as "Jai Ganesh Deva".
2. Bow before the idol with folded hands and pray for wisdom and the removal of obstacles.
3. Many families avoid looking at the Moon in the evening (follow your family's tradition).

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Sharing Prasad

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Distribute the Til-gud Laddoos and other Prasad among family members and neighbours.
3. Break your fast by partaking in the Prasad and a simple sattvic meal.