Ganesha
Varad Chaturthi or Varad Til Chaturthi, popularly known as Ganesh Jayanti or Tilkund Chaturthi, is believed as the birthday of Lord Ganesha. In 2026, Varad Chaturthi date is January 22.
Mainly celebrated in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and some other regions of North India, Varad Chaturthi falls on fourth day of Shukla Paksha in Magh month.
Til (sesame) plays the key role in celebrating Varad Chaturthi. Lord Ganesha is offered special naivedya (recipes) made of Til and offered puja with sesame seeds. Til daan (donating sesame seeds) to poor and Brahmins is highly meritorious deed to perform on this day.
Varad Chaturthi, also known as Varad Vinayak Chaturthi or Til Chaturthi, is a vrat dedicated to Lord Ganesha for granting boons, wisdom, and obstacle removal. It occurs on Shukla Paksha Chaturthi in Magha month, aligning with early January observances in the Hindu calendar.
Date in 2026
The festival falls on Thursday, January 22, 2026. Chaturthi Tithi begins around 3:12 AM on January 22 and ends 1:45 AM January 23, with Madhyahna Puja Muhurat from 11:35 AM to 1:45 PM IST.
Significance
Devotees seek Ganesha’s blessings for success, mental clarity, and prosperity, especially students for focus. It coincides with Ganesha Jayanti in some traditions and emphasizes patience and new beginnings.
Rituals
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Apply sesame (til) paste bath before puja; offer modak, durva, and ladoo to Ganesha idol.
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Observe daytime fast, broken after moonrise; perform Ganapati Atharvashirsha recitation.
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Evening aarti and donation of black sesame seeds.
Regional Notes
In Maharashtra and South India, including Hyderabad temples, it’s marked by simple home pujas blending with Magha festivities. Near Thai Amavasya, it supports spiritual renewal post-Pongal.
yes varad chaturthi is also known as ganesh jayanthi